Iran’s nearly two-week-long war with Israel has left the country weakened and its supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, facing an uncertain future. The 86-year-old leader is believed to be holed up in a secret bunker, fearing assassination by Israel.
When he emerges from hiding, he will see a landscape of death and destruction. The war has significantly degraded Iran’s military power, with top commanders killed and the country’s air force severely damaged. The extent of the damage is still unclear, but it is believed that Israel’s attacks on Iran’s military infrastructure have caused substantial harm.
The war has also crippled Iran’s economy, with basic goods and services facing shortages. Authorities have arrested over 700 people on charges of spying for Israel, and at least six people have been executed.
Despite the destruction, Iran’s ballistic missile silos seem to be intact, and experts believe that Iran may still rush to build a nuclear bomb. The country has moved its stockpile of highly enriched uranium to a safe location, which could be used to produce nine bombs if enriched further.
Ayatollah Khamenei’s future is uncertain, with some analysts predicting an orderly transition of power to another senior cleric or even a council of leadership. However, the regime remains strong at home, and it is likely that the supreme leader will try to crush dissent through domestic oppression.
With the ceasefire brokered on Monday unlikely to last, many believe that Israel is not yet finished with its attacks. Iran’s people are fearful of the regime’s response to the war, which they fear could turn against them.
As Ayatollah Khamenei navigates this uncertain landscape, it remains to be seen how he will ensure the continuity of his regime and what the future holds for Iran.
Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c0j4g1ll8yqo