Iran’s survival playbook: a long, costly regional war looms after US-Israel strikes

After joint US–Israel strikes killed Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, the Islamic Republic is portrayed as structurally resilient, with a ready line of succession and a loyal security apparatus that could prevent a rapid regime change. Tehran has already retaliated against regional targets and could threaten vital energy routes through the Strait of Hormuz. With Washington and Jerusalem aiming for regime change and Iran determined to endure, the piece predicts a drawn-out regional conflict rather than a quick resolution.