From Foreign Policy · Ali Hashem · · 2m
Iran War Regime Change
Iran's regime change war continues with internal unity and external threats.
In brief
Iran's regime change war continues with internal unity and external threats. Iran's regime faces military strikes and internal unity as it seeks to prevent collapse through domestic mobilization. Originally reported by Foreign Policy.
Iran War Regime Change
The Iran war is, and always was, about regime change.
“The Iran war is, and always was, about regime change.”
Regime Change War
It began decades ago when Washington and Tehran parted ways and Iran became an Islamic republic.
“It began decades ago when Washington and Tehran parted ways and Iran became an Islamic republic.”
Zero-Sum War
Iran’s enemies hoped a single blow would suffice in 2026, but that failed, so a thousand blows became necessary.
“Iran’s enemies hoped a single blow would suffice in 2026, but that failed, so a thousand blows became necessary.”
February 28 Attack
On Feb. 28, Israel and the United States targeted Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
“On Feb. 28, Israel and the United States targeted Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.”
Strait of Hormuz Closure
Iran closed the Strait of Hormuz, through which one-fifth of the world’s oil passes.
“Iran closed the Strait of Hormuz, through which one-fifth of the world’s oil passes.”
War Phase
The war dragged on for weeks, with airstrikes deep inside Iran killing more than 3,000 people.
“The war dragged on for weeks, with airstrikes deep inside Iran killing more than 3,000 people.”
Inflation Rate
Iran’s central bank governor estimated year-on-year inflation at 84 percent in September.
“Iran’s central bank governor estimated year-on-year inflation at 84 percent in September.”
Public Support
Iran’s regime gained its highest level of public support in years due to rhetoric from Trump and Netanyahu.
“Iran’s regime gained its highest level of public support in years due to rhetoric from Trump and Netanyahu.”
Rallies
Over 850 rallies were held across Iran during the war, with the largest gathering on Sept. 18.
“Over 850 rallies were held across Iran during the war, with the largest gathering on Sept. 18.”
Internal Unrest
Iran’s government is preparing to counter internal threats from ethnic minorities and separatists.
“Iran’s government is preparing to counter internal threats from ethnic minorities and separatists.”
Hossein Taeb
Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei appointed Hossein Taeb as head of the Basij domestic militia force.
“Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei appointed Hossein Taeb as head of the Basij domestic militia force.”
Territorial Claims
Iran defends its islands in the Strait of Hormuz against UAE claims of sovereignty.
“Iran defends its islands in the Strait of Hormuz against UAE claims of sovereignty.”
Next War Scenarios
The next round of war may target Iran’s infrastructure, roads, and energy facilities.
“The next round of war may target Iran’s infrastructure, roads, and energy facilities.”
Houthis
The Houthis control the Bab el-Mandeb strait, targeting Saudi Arabia’s oil infrastructure.
“The Houthis control the Bab el-Mandeb strait, targeting Saudi Arabia’s oil infrastructure.”
Hezbollah
Hezbollah may not return to fighting unless it perceives the next round as an existential threat.
“Hezbollah may not return to fighting unless it perceives the next round as an existential threat.”
War Outcome
Iran’s regime may strike harder, believing external wounds will draw Iranians closer to the state.
“Iran’s regime may strike harder, believing external wounds will draw Iranians closer to the state.”
The short version
Iran's regime faces military strikes and internal unity as it seeks to prevent collapse through domestic mobilization.
