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Amid escalating Middle Eastern hostilities, a Chinese mainland spokesperson has issued a firm commitment to safeguard Taiwan compatriots in the region, simultaneously condemning Taiwan’s ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) for engaging in what it termed ‘political manipulation’ during a critical humanitarian situation.

Zhang Han, spokeswoman for the State Council Taiwan Affairs Office, addressed the media during a regular press conference on Wednesday, emphasizing that all Chinese citizens—including those from Taiwan—would receive comprehensive protection measures. The statement came in response to recent military operations conducted by the United States and Israel against Iran.

‘Taiwan compatriots are Chinese citizens and our own flesh and blood,’ Zhang declared. ‘Regardless of their location or circumstances, the great motherland will always serve as their steadfast support system.’

The spokesperson outlined practical assistance measures, noting that Taiwanese nationals requiring evacuation support could contact Chinese diplomatic missions abroad or utilize the 12308 consular protection hotline. This offer follows official advisories from China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs urging all citizens—explicitly including Taiwan compatriots—to evacuate conflict zones promptly.

However, the DPP administration reportedly cautioned Taiwan residents against accepting mainland evacuation assistance, characterizing such cooperation as ‘risky.’ Zhang condemned this position as demonstrating ‘coldness and selfishness’ that prioritizes political agendas over human safety.

‘At this crucial juncture concerning the welfare of Taiwan compatriots, the DPP authorities persist in political manipulation, fully exposing their lack of conscience and humanity,’ Zhang stated. ‘Their greatest fear remains the natural kinship between strait residents becoming evident during adversity.’

Addressing broader cross-strait relations, the spokeswoman reiterated China’s consistent position regarding Taiwan’s status as an internal matter. She emphasized that resolution timing and methods remain exclusively within China’s sovereign rights, warning against external interference or ‘Taiwan independence’ provocations.

‘Should separatist forces dare to cross established red lines through reckless actions,’ Zhang affirmed, ‘we will implement resolute measures and deliver firm counterstrikes.’

Iran faces a pivotal leadership transition following the death of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, with intense speculation surrounding potential successors. The Assembly of Experts has reportedly convened under extraordinary circumstances—amid ongoing US-Israeli attacks on government buildings—to determine the nation’s next ruler.

Mojtaba Khamenei, the 56-year-old son of the late leader, has emerged as a prominent candidate. Widely perceived as a hardline figure within Iranian politics, opposition media outlet Iran International claims he is being championed for the position by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). His potential appointment during sustained foreign attacks could be interpreted as a defiant response to both his father’s killing and international pressure for compromise.

Born in Mashhad in 1969 during the Shah’s regime, Mojtaba came of age during the devastating Iran-Iraq war that claimed nearly one million Iranian lives. His service with the IRGC during the conflict’s final years proved formative, particularly within the Habib Ibn Mazahir Battalion where he established connections with future intelligence leaders including Hossein Taeb, who would later head the IRGC’s Intelligence Organisation.

Despite maintaining a public profile as a theology teacher in Qom and avoiding official government positions, Mojtaba allegedly wielded significant behind-the-scenes influence. During Mahmoud Ahmadinejad’s presidency, he was accused of orchestrating the disputed 2009 election results and subsequent crackdowns on protesters. At the time, an Iranian politician told The Guardian that “Mojtaba is the commander of this coup d’état,” noting widespread anger among conservative clerics and political establishments over his covert influence.

Further controversy surrounds Mojtaba’s substantial international wealth. A Bloomberg investigation revealed he owns luxury UK properties valued over $138 million through shell companies, including multiple residences on London’s exclusive ‘Billionaire’s Row,’ alongside investments in Tehran, Dubai, and Frankfurt.

His potential succession faces multiple objections: as the previous leader’s son, many view appointment as contradicting republican principles in a system that overthrew monarchy; his lack of public office experience presents another complication; and a Tehran Times article from January 2025 cited Ali Khamenei himself as “resolutely opposed” to hereditary succession, characterizing Western narratives of dynastic transition as attempts to discredit Iran’s institutions.

With Iran’s political environment increasingly volatile, predicting long-term leadership remains exceptionally uncertain.

Yemen’s Houthi movement faces critical strategic decisions as regional tensions escalate between Iran and the U.S.-Israel alliance, with analysts suggesting their eventual intervention remains probable but carefully calibrated. According to regional experts, the Iran-aligned group is conducting thorough assessments of geopolitical developments before committing to military action.

Fatehi bin Lazreq, editor of Aden al-Ghad newspaper, indicates the Houthis are evaluating the severity of threats facing Tehran. “If they determine that the threat to the Iranian regime is existential, they will decide to fully engage in the war,” Lazreq told Middle East Eye. This cautious approach contrasts with the group’s immediate mobilization during the 2023 Gaza conflict, when they rapidly initiated attacks on Red Sea shipping lanes.

The movement’s leadership has demonstrated uncharacteristic restraint in recent communications. Abdul Malik al-Houthi’s post-strike address avoided explicit military commitments despite expressing solidarity with Tehran, while his subsequent speech following Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei’s assassination offered condolences without promising armed retaliation.

Internal divisions appear to be influencing the group’s response strategy. Yemeni political analyst Saleh al-Baydani identifies “sharp” disagreements between hardliners advocating immediate military involvement and factions urging restraint. Conflicting statements regarding Red Sea operations—first promising resumed attacks then quickly denying them—suggest significant internal debate about appropriate escalation levels.

The Houthis recognize their strategic dependency on Iranian support. As Lazreq notes, “The Houthis believe that if the Iranian regime falls, they would become exposed, as the supply of drones and missiles—a key element of their strength in recent years—would cease.” This arms pipeline has substantially enhanced their capabilities against domestic rivals and international adversaries.

Military calculations also factor heavily in their deliberation. Research fellow Farea al-Muslimi of Chatham House indicates the group remains conscious of recent losses, including the August 2023 Israeli strike that eliminated the Houthi-run administration’s prime minister and multiple ministers. Additional strikes damaged critical infrastructure including Hodeidah port, oil facilities, and power stations.

Despite these concerns, analysts acknowledge the Houthis’ history of defying expectations. Having operated in conflict environments for over two decades, the group has consistently used warfare to maintain internal mobilization and delay political settlements. Their eventual intervention would likely follow either direct military provocation or initiatives from Iranian or Hezbollah leadership.

The movement’s approach represents what Muslimi describes as “calculated escalation,” with any potential action framed as self-defense rather than outright solidarity with Tehran. This positioning allows them to balance domestic Yemeni interests with international alliance obligations while minimizing exposure to retaliatory strikes.