Lethal elite 'black-clad' kill squad guards Iran's new Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei
Fox News
Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei becomes Iran's third Supreme Leader on March 8, 2026, with NOPO counterterrorism unit providing security amid ongoing war and domestic unrest fears.
Emma Bussey is a breaking news writer for Fox News Digital. Before joining Fox, she worked at The Telegraph with the U.S. overnight team, across desks including foreign, politics, news, sport and culture.
"With Khamenei gone, NOPO will now be protecting Mojtaba Khamenei," Ali Safavi, an official with the Foreign Affairs Committee of the Paris-based National Council of Resistance of Iran, or NCRI said.
The force, formed in 1991, was initially the "nucleus" of the IRGC’s 28th Ruhollah (Khomeini’s first name) Division, according to Safavi, and typically handles hostage rescue operations.
A Tehran civilian describes constant explosions and panic attacks as U.S. and Israeli attacks continue, leaving the city "quiet" and people in fear.
Leavitt lashes out at CNN's Kaitlan Collins in tense exchange on fallen soldiers from Iran operation
White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt took aim at CNN correspondent Kaitlan Collins and her network during a tense exchange about the fallen soldiers during Operation Epic Fury against Iran.
Iran missile intercepted by NATO defense systems after crossing into Turkey's airspace, marking first such incident in regional conflict, Turkey's Defense Ministry said Wednesday.
Asif Merchant, a Pakistani national with alleged ties to Iran, posted Facebook images depicting Trump's death as part of an accused murder-for-hire plot.
I have been witness to Iranian disbelief turning into celebration after Khamenei's death. It has revealed a nation's long-suppressed desire for normalcy and freedom from clerical rule.
Navy TOPGUN pilot Matthew Buckley said friendly fire poses the biggest danger as three U.S. F-15E Strike Eagles were shot down by Kuwaiti forces during Operation Epic Fury against Iran.
Former United Nations Ambassador Nikki Haley criticized Democrats who claim that Iran posed no threat to America, calling the notion "absurd."
Following Ayatollah Ali Khamenei's death, Iran's government elevates hardline cleric Ayatollah Alireza Arafi to interim leadership, increasing his succession chances.
President Donald Trump on Monday sent an official notification to Congress about the U.S. strikes against Iran that were part of a joint attack with Israel.
Iran naval base Bandar Abbas shows fires in satellite images after possible U.S.-Israeli strike. Multiple vessels ablaze at key Strait of Hormuz port as tanker traffic stalls.
Iran's security chief slammed Trump's 'delusional fantasies' as tensions escalate with U.S. military strikes and Iranian retaliation across the region.
The FBI has mobilized JTTF teams nationwide following a deadly shooting in Austin with Iranian ties. Gen. Dan Caine confirms more U.S. troops and bombers are targeting Iranian assets.
U.S. ambassador Mike Waltz and Iranian envoy Saeid Iravani clashed at an emergency U.N. Security Council meeting amid escalating regional tensions.