Amid Attacks, Iran Announces New Leader Has Been Chosen

Jakarta, CNBC Indonesia — Tensions in the Middle East have heated further after Iranian retaliatory strikes hit several Gulf states at the weekend, described as a response to military actions by the United States and Israel.

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) reported threats of missiles and drones emanating from Iran, with its air defence system currently responding to the threats, according to the UAE Ministry of Defence in a post on X, cited by CNBC International on Sunday, 8 March 2026.

According to the UAE government, the air defence system intercepted a number of ballistic missiles. Meanwhile fighter jets were deployed to counter drones and other aerial munitions.

The situation grew tense on Saturday evening when missile alert sirens sounded across Dubai and Abu Dhabi. Residents were advised to seek shelter urgently.

A loud explosion was heard in several areas. A tall building in the Dubai Marina area, 23 Marina, was reported to have been struck by falling debris from the missile interception.

Local authorities confirmed that there were no injuries from the incident. However, debris falling in Al Barsha also struck a vehicle and killed a Pakistani driver.

At Dubai International Airport, passengers waiting for flights were directed to shelter in the airport’s tunnel to avoid the threat of attack.

Amid the escalation, Iran announced a major domestic development. The Mehr News Agency quoted Ayatollah Seyyed Ahmad Alam al-Huda as reporting that a new leader had been appointed by the Assembly of Experts. However, the name of the leader has not yet been announced to the public.

“All rumours and reports that try to portray that the Assembly of Experts has not decided are pure lies,” al-Huda said.

Meanwhile, two influential Iranian clerics had previously urged that the new leader be named promptly to safeguard governmental stability.

On the other hand, the Israeli military (IDF) warned it would target anyone involved in the process of appointing a new Iranian leader. “We warn all parties intending to participate in the leadership replacement meeting that we will not hesitate to target you. This is a warning!” the IDF wrote in a Persian-language post on X.

Former US President Donald Trump also stated that Washington should have a role in determining Iran’s new leader. But the Iranian government immediately rejected the statement.