The DSR Network DSR Daily March 9: Iran Names New Supreme Leader
Mar 9, 2026
They unpack the surprise naming of Mojtaba Khamenei as Iran’s new supreme leader and what it means for regional pressure dynamics. A major court ruling reversing VOA leadership changes is discussed. Tensions over U.S. legislation surface as a pledge to block bills until the SAVE America Act is resolved. Debate heats up over threats and strategy toward Cuba and broader Latin America.
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Iran's Succession Strengthens Hardliners
- Iran named Mojtaba Khamenei as supreme leader shortly after Ali Khamenei's death, signaling continuity despite U.S.-Israeli strikes.
- David Rothkopf argues this strengthens Iranian hardliners and makes regime-change aims far less realistic amid rising oil prices and market shock.
Court Reverses Carrie Lake's Changes
- A court found Carrie Lake's appointment to US Agency for Global Media unlawful, reversing layoffs and VOA changes she enacted.
- David Rothkopf frames this as part of broader incompetence and destructive governance across multiple agencies.
Save America Act Seen As Voter Suppression
- Trump vowed not to sign any bills until the Save America Act passes, which would require proof of citizenship to register and likely disenfranchise many.
- Rothkopf calls it a voter-suppression strategy tied to Trump's electoral vulnerability shown in recent special elections.