Iran launched new missile attacks on Israel as Mojtaba Khamenei was named the new supreme leader, escalating a regional war that has sent oil prices soaring.

TEHRAN: Iran fired new missiles at Israel early Monday in the name of the Islamic republic’s new leader, Mojtaba Khamenei.

The 56-year-old was selected to succeed his slain father, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, by the clerical Assembly of Experts nine days after US-Israeli strikes killed the former supreme leader.

State media showed a projectile bearing the slogan “At Your Command, Sayyid Mojtaba” launched towards Israel.

The announcement came despite prior threats from the United States and Israel to target any successor.

US President Donald Trump had dismissed the younger Khamenei as a “lightweight” and insisted he should have a say in the appointment.

Israel’s military had also warned any successor that “we will not hesitate to target you”.

Explosions were heard early Monday in Qatar, home to a major US air base.

The war has expanded across the region, with Israel striking a hotel in central Beirut on Sunday targeting Iranian Revolutionary Guards commanders.

Lebanon’s health ministry said four people died and 10 were injured in that attack.

Hezbollah fighters also engaged Israeli forces who landed by helicopter in east Lebanon.

Iran’s retaliatory strikes have targeted Gulf neighbours, with several people injured in Bahrain and damage reported to infrastructure in Kuwait.

Saudi Arabia said two people were killed and 12 wounded by a projectile on Sunday.

The benchmark price for a barrel of crude soared beyond USD 100 for the first time since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine four years ago.

Trump dismissed the price spike as a “small price to pay” for removing Iran’s alleged nuclear threat.

Markets in Japan and South Korea opened sharply lower on Monday due to energy import concerns.

The United States does not expect a quick end to the war, ordering non-emergency staff to leave Saudi Arabia.

The US military announced a seventh American combat death after a service member was wounded in Saudi Arabia.

Few expect major changes under the new leader, a trained cleric close to the powerful Revolutionary Guards.

The Guards quickly pledged “complete obedience” to Mojtaba Khamenei, who has far less experience than his father.

Israel struck five oil facilities in and around Tehran early Sunday, killing at least four people.

A dark haze filled the skies over the capital, with authorities warning the fumes could be toxic.

“The air has become unbreathable. I can’t even go out to do the daily shopping,” said one 35-year-old Tehran resident.

Iran’s health ministry said at least 1,200 civilians had been killed and around 10,000 wounded, figures AFP could not independently verify.

The Revolutionary Guards warned they had enough supplies to continue their drone and missile war for up to six months.

 The Sun Malaysia