Iran’s Regime Faces Survival Threat in All-Out Regional War
Iran’s leaders are aware that an all-out regional war could jeopardize the very survival of their regime. The recent escalation in the conflict between Iran and Israel has heightened the risk of a devastating regional war. Here are the key points:
– **Iran’s Missile Attack**: Iran fired approximately 180 ballistic missiles at Israel overnight, marking a significant escalation in the conflict.
– **Israeli Retaliation**: Israel has vowed to retaliate for the attack, with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu calling it a “big mistake” that Iran will “pay for”.
– **Internal Challenges**: Iran’s political regime is suffering from a serious crisis of legitimacy, with numerous popular uprisings in recent years. The authorities are concerned that direct confrontation with Israel and the US could unleash internal dissent and undermine the regime’s survival.
– **Economic Vulnerability**: Iran’s economy is already in dire straits, and the country’s oil infrastructure is vulnerable to attacks. A full-scale conflict with Israel could have catastrophic consequences for Iran’s economy and infrastructure.
– **Regional Dynamics**: The conflict has already involved multiple fronts, including Gaza, Lebanon, Yemen, and Syria. Iran’s proxy network, particularly Hezbollah, has been significantly weakened by Israeli actions, leading Iran to reassess its strategy.
– **Diplomatic Levers**: The situation has reached a critical juncture, with few diplomatic levers remaining to stop the spiral of violence. The risk of miscalculation and broader regional and global repercussions is high, potentially drawing in the United States and other regional powers.
