-
16:42
-
16:30
-
16:20
-
16:00
-
15:50
-
15:30
-
15:20
-
15:00
-
14:50
-
14:30
-
14:20
-
14:00
-
13:30
-
13:20
-
13:00
-
12:50
-
12:30
-
12:20
-
12:00
-
11:50
-
11:35
-
11:32
-
11:30
-
11:20
-
11:00
-
10:50
-
10:30
-
10:20
-
10:00
-
09:50
-
09:30
-
09:23
-
09:20
-
09:00
-
08:50
-
08:30
-
08:20
-
08:00
-
07:50
-
07:30
-
07:00
Ali Khamenei backed into a corner Iran’s ruthless leader faces fight for survival
Since 1989, Iran’s supreme leader, Ali Khamenei, has maintained strict control over the country, navigating through decades of international sanctions, ongoing regional conflicts and harshly repressing internal protests to secure his regime. However, the recent Israeli attacks on Iran’s nuclear, military and infrastructure facilities represent the most serious challenge to its authority and the survival of the clerical government.
In just five days, Israel has eliminated key Iranian military leaders, repeatedly attacked major nuclear facilities, and killed close associates of the leader. Bombing campaigns have also targeted the state’s security and energy sectors, prompting many residents to flee the capital. Although Iran has retaliated with deadly attacks on Israeli cities, Israel’s superior military power leaves Tehran vulnerable, with the potential for US involvement on Israel’s side and few allies available.
Many Iranians recall the traumatic Iran-Iraq war, which shaped the leader’s strategy of using proxy forces and missile technology to deter direct attacks. These defenses allowed him to maintain confrontational rhetoric while avoiding direct conflict on Iranian soil. However, since recent attacks on Israel, many of Iran’s regional allies have weakened or been defeated, leaving the regime exposed to Israeli strikes reaching into Iran itself.
Despite this, the leader remains defiant, promising harsh retaliation. The successful targeting of his close aides highlights Israel’s deep penetration of Iranian defenses and raises questions about the possibility of an assassination attempt. US statements suggest awareness of his location but a reluctance to take direct action against him for now.
The leader’s ambiguous stance on Iran’s nuclear program has long been a strategic tool, balancing deterrence and diplomacy. Experts warn that an assassination attempt could backfire, accelerating Iran’s nuclear ambitions and worsening regional instability.
The discussion of regime change reflects Israel’s shifting strategy in the Middle East, with limited options beyond either negotiations or dismantling the Iranian government. The United States’ role remains crucial, as Israel lacks the capacity to overthrow the regime independently.
Within Iran, public dissatisfaction with the government is deepening, but divisions among opposition groups and lack of widespread protests make a popular uprising unlikely. Instead, observers suggest that power struggles within the regime’s factions may determine its future as the Supreme Leader ages and internal competition intensifies.
