Fresh political intrigue has gripped Iran after reports claimed that Mojtaba Khamenei allegedly delivered a "final ultimatum" to Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, warning that any future resignation offer would be accepted. However, Iranian officials have strongly rejected the report, dismissing it as false amid growing political speculation. According to reports cited by Channel 14, Pezeshkian had allegedly threatened to resign multiple times over policy disagreements, claiming that his government had been sidelined from major strategic decisions. The report further alleged that Mojtaba Khamenei backed IRGC commander Ahmad Vahidi's hardline position on US policy and regional security, with Vahidi reportedly wielding significant influence over Tehran's decision-making. Tehran has, however, pushed back against the claims, rejecting the "final ultimatum" narrative and denying reports of an internal leadership confrontation. WATCH

The US has escalated maritime pressure on Iran after its forces reportedly struck and disabled the Panama-flagged M/V Vela Nova in the Gulf of Oman, marking another major development in the widening confrontation over Tehran's ports and the Strait of Hormuz. US forces reportedly targeted the vessel's engine room after the crew allegedly failed to comply with repeated warnings linked to the Iranian port blockade. No immediate casualties were reported following the strike, but the incident has raised fresh concerns over the safety of commercial shipping across one of the world's most strategically important maritime regions.