News in Brief: Road Conditions, Iran's New Leader, and Rising Tensions in the Middle East

Recent news highlights summarized:

• Road Conditions: Armenian highways are mostly passable; however, some roads are closed or difficult to navigate, with restrictions also in place for trucks with trailers. Drivers are advised to use winter tires.
• Iran's New Leadership: Iran has elected a new Supreme Leader following the death of the previous leader. This decision has been confirmed by Iran's Experts Assembly.
• US Stance on Iran: The U.S. President has stated that Iran's next leader will struggle to maintain power without U.S. approval. He also expressed a desire to participate in the leadership selection process.
• Tehran's Warning: Tehran has declared that it may strike energy facilities in the Middle East if attacks on its oil infrastructure continue, asserting that recent strikes pose dangerous emissions.
• Diplomatic Evacuations: U.S. diplomatic personnel have been instructed to leave Saudi Arabia amid escalating tensions regarding Iran. In some embassies, staff and their families have been allowed to leave the country if they wish.
• Iran-Azerbaijan Relations: The Iranian President has had a phone conversation with the President of Azerbaijan, expressing gratitude for support and asserting that airstrikes towards Nakhchivan are unrelated to Iran, which will be investigated.