# Iran War Regime Change

> Iran's regime change war continues with internal unity and external threats.
- Title: Iran War Regime Change · Foreign Policy | Shortify
- Summary: 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…
- Keywords: iran, regime, military, united states, israel, supreme leader, basij, hormuz, strait, internal unity, War, Change
- Source: Foreign Policy — https://foreignpolicy.com/2026/10/08/next-iran-war-regime-change
- Author: Ali Hashem
- Read time: 2 min
- Topics: iran, regime, military, united states, israel, supreme leader, basij, hormuz, strait, internal unity
## 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.
## Key takeaway

Iran's regime faces military strikes and internal unity as it seeks to prevent collapse through domestic mobilization.