Speaking at the White House on Wednesday, Trump said the United States “will not allow Iran to obtain a nuclear weapon,” adding that Washington had “strong support” for its position. He announced what he described as a strengthened naval blockade, referred to as the “Steel Wall.”

Trump said the United States would “seize more Iranian oil tankers,” adding that “no one can break through the naval blockade” imposed on Iran and that additional Iranian vessels “will be intercepted unless Tehran shows real commitment and changes its behaviour.”

Addressing lawmakers at the White House, Trump also said the United States would “end the war very quickly” with Iran, reiterating that Tehran would not be permitted to possess nuclear weapons.

Iran’s foreign ministry, however, said Tehran was currently focused on “ending the war on all fronts, especially Lebanon,” while insisting it continued negotiations “in good faith.” The ministry said Washington must demonstrate seriousness in any diplomatic process.

The ministry described the US naval measures as “a violation of the ceasefire and contrary to international law,” dismissing discussions of ultimatums or deadlines imposed on Iran as “ridiculous.”

It added that coastal states have the right to prevent “aggressor states” from crossing the Strait of Hormuz and called for mechanisms regulating passage through the strategic waterway to ensure maritime security and environmental protection. Tehran also demanded the release of frozen Iranian assets and an end to what it described as “maritime piracy against Iranian shipping.”

In a further escalation, Iran’s Revolutionary Guards warned that any renewed attack on Iran would not remain confined within its borders. In a statement carried by Tasnim news agency, the Guards said the “American-Zionist enemy” had failed to learn from repeated strategic defeats, adding that Iran had “not yet used all of its capabilities” despite confronting the United States and Israel.

Iranian state television later reported that five large oil tankers had received authorisation from the Revolutionary Guards to pass through the Strait of Hormuz, highlighting continued tensions surrounding one of the world’s most critical energy shipping routes.

Elsewhere in the region, Jordan’s military said it had shot down an unidentified drone that entered the country’s airspace over Jerash province on Wednesday morning, adding that there were no casualties and only minor material damage.

In the Gulf, the United Arab Emirates called on Iraq to prevent “any hostile acts” launched from its territory following a recent drone attack targeting the UAE’s Barakah nuclear power plant. In a statement, the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs urged Baghdad to take immediate and unconditional action to prevent “all hostile acts originating from its territory” and address the threats responsibly in accordance with international law.

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Speaking on state television, Pezeshkian said Iran’s “dignity and honour will not be sacrificed for comfort or worldly interests,” adding: “We will stand firm until the last breath with dignity and honour, while continuing negotiations and resolutely defending the rights of our dear people.”

His remarks came as the naval forces of the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) announced the establishment of a new body, the “Persian Gulf Strait Authority”, tasked with overseeing maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz and levying transit charges on passing vessels, a move likely to intensify global concerns over shipping security and energy supplies moving through one of the world’s most important oil chokepoints.

Despite the escalation, signs emerged that diplomatic efforts remain active. Iran’s semi-official Tasnim news agency reported that Tehran had submitted an updated 14-point proposal to the United States through Pakistani mediation after amending an earlier US proposal containing the same number of points. According to Tasnim, the revised Iranian proposal focuses on ending the conflict and establishing confidence-building measures from Washington’s side.

Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei said negotiations with the United States were continuing through the Pakistani channel, dismissing speculation surrounding uranium enrichment and nuclear materials. He said both sides had exchanged proposals and comments without providing further details.

In Washington, US President Donald Trump sharpened his rhetoric towards Tehran, warning that “the clock is ticking” for Iran and saying it must move “very fast or there will be nothing left of them.” He also wrote on his Truth Social platform that time was running out for Iran to reach an agreement.

CNN, citing a source familiar with the matter, reported that Trump’s patience was wearing thin over Iran’s handling of negotiations and the continued closure of the Strait of Hormuz, which has disrupted global oil markets. The report added that Trump had more seriously considered resuming military operations in recent days as a means of increasing pressure on Tehran, although he still preferred a diplomatic resolution.

Meanwhile, Trump held a phone call with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu regarding developments linked to Iran, while Saudi Arabia said it reserved the right to respond after intercepting three drones that entered its airspace from Iraq.

A spokesperson for Saudi Arabia’s defence ministry said the drones had been intercepted and destroyed, adding that the kingdom would “take all necessary operational measures” to address any threat to its security and sovereignty.

Qatar also condemned the drone incident, describing it as “a violation of Saudi sovereignty and a threat to regional security,” while reaffirming its full solidarity with Riyadh.

Underscoring growing regional concern, Pakistan deployed 8,000 troops, a squadron of fighter jets and an air defence system to Saudi Arabia under a bilateral defence agreement, according to security officials and government sources, as Islamabad continues to serve as a principal mediator between Washington and Tehran.

On the diplomatic front, Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty held a phone call with Massad Boulos, senior adviser to the US president for Arab and African affairs, to discuss efforts to reduce regional tensions. Abdelatty stressed the importance of resuming dialogue between the United States and Iran to reach understandings that could help avert a broader regional conflict.

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US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent declared that Iran does not control the strait, asserting that the United States has “full control” over the passage. He urged international partners to increase pressure on Tehran, framing the dispute as a test of international resolve. US Central Command reinforced this position, reporting that two US-flagged commercial vessels transited the strait safely and denying Iranian claims of attacks or blockades. In a move underscoring Washington’s determination, Central Command announced the deployment of around 15,000 troops, more than 100 aircraft, and guided-missile destroyers as part of an operation to restore freedom of navigation in the strait, through which roughly a quarter of global seaborne oil trade passes.

Iranian military officials countered with equal force, insisting that security in Hormuz is “fully under the control” of its armed forces. The commander of Iran’s Khatam Al-Anbiya central headquarters warned that any threat would be met with a “harsh response,” while the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) cautioned shipping companies against ignoring directives, vowing to intercept vessels that fail to comply with its protocols.

The escalation comes amid conflicting accounts of maritime incidents in the strait. Iran’s military claimed its naval forces issued warnings to US destroyers approaching the strait and fired warning shots using missiles and drones after the vessels ignored alerts, holding Washington responsible for any consequences. The US military flatly denied that its ships had been targeted, highlighting the conflicting narratives that have become a hallmark of the crisis.

The fallout has reverberated across the Gulf. The United Arab Emirates initially warned citizens of a “potential missile threat” before later declaring conditions safe. Qatar and Egypt condemned an attack on a UAE tanker, describing it as a violation of international law and freedom of navigation, and warning of its impact on global energy security. Egypt’s foreign ministry emphasized that targeting commercial vessels represents a “serious threat to regional stability and global energy supplies,” while Qatar rejected the use of the strait as a pressure tool and called for it to be reopened unconditionally. Meanwhile, maritime security reports indicated that container ships had come under fire, and Iran’s IRGC claimed to have seized three vessels, underscoring the risks despite efforts to sustain a ceasefire.

Diplomatic efforts are underway to prevent further escalation. Pakistan’s foreign minister discussed developments with his Iranian counterpart, stressing the need for de-escalation. Russia signaled readiness to propose new initiatives for a Middle East free of weapons of mass destruction, linking the Hormuz crisis to broader regional security concerns. As global concern mounts, the dispute over Hormuz has become more than a bilateral clash; it is a test of international diplomacy, energy security, and the fragile balance of power in the Gulf.

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In a social media post, Trump said Iran was pressing for the reopening of Hormuz while attempting to stabilize its internal leadership, though he did not specify how this message had been conveyed.

His remarks come amid reports of divisions within Washington over whether to continue relying primarily on economic pressure or to resume military strikes. Axios reported that Trump is weighing options between maintaining sanctions and naval pressure on Iran or launching new military attacks, with concerns that the United States could become mired in a prolonged strategic stalemate described as “neither war nor peace.”

US officials cited by the outlet warned that such a frozen conflict could destabilize global energy markets for months while preserving the risk of sudden escalation.

Iran, meanwhile, signaled that it does not consider the conflict resolved. An Iranian military spokesperson said Tehran had updated its target bank during both wartime and the ceasefire period, adding that Iran’s army and Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) maintain coordinated control over the Strait of Hormuz, the IRGC securing the western side, and the regular army overseeing the eastern sector.

Iran’s defense ministry announced that future shipping through Hormuz would be subject to new security protocols aimed at safeguarding Iranian interests, describing recent US and Israeli military actions as a severe blow to trust and international law.

On the ground, Iran’s Tasnim news agency reported that the Japanese oil tanker Idemitsu Maru, carrying roughly 2 million barrels of crude, passed through the Strait of Hormuz in coordination with Iran, potentially signaling the early implementation of Tehran’s new maritime oversight framework.

Diplomatically, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi welcomed Russian support for negotiations following talks with President Vladimir Putin, highlighting the depth of their strategic partnership. Moscow has repeatedly offered mediation and previously proposed storing Iran’s enriched uranium stockpiles as a de-escalation measure, though Washington rejected the idea.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio reiterated that Washington’s core objective remains preventing Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapon, arguing that Tehran often uses negotiations to buy time. He stressed that any future agreement must decisively block Iran’s path to nuclear weapons capability.

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Following the attack, the Indian Ministry of External Affairs summoned Iran’s ambassador to New Delhi. During the meeting, Indian External Affairs Minister Vikram Misri conveyed “India’s grave concern over the shooting incident that occurred earlier today and involved two vessels flying the Indian flag in the Strait of Hormuz,” according to a ministry statement.

Misri reminded the envoy that Iran had previously facilitated safe passage for ships bound for India, urging him to convey New Delhi’s views to Iranian authorities and promptly resume the facilitation process.

Three maritime security and shipping sources told Reuters that at least two merchant vessels reported being hit by gunfire while attempting to cross the strait. Britain’s maritime trade agency confirmed a tanker had come under fire from two gunboats, adding that authorities were investigating and the full extent of any damage remained unclear.

The attacks coincide with an assertion from Iran’s Supreme National Security Council that Tehran “is determined to control traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, until the war is definitively ended, and lasting peace is achieved in the region,” according to Iranian media.

The council stated that “as long as the enemy continues to impose a naval blockade, Iran will consider this a violation of the ceasefire, and will prevent the conditional and limited opening of the Strait of Hormuz.” It added that Iranian control includes the collection of fees for security, safety, and environmental protection services.

The US maritime blockade, announced by President Donald Trump after talks with Iran in Islamabad failed to produce an agreement, is currently being enforced. Central Command (CENTCOM) reported its forces have turned back 23 ships since the measures against Iranian ports and coastal areas began this week.

Speaking to reporters in the Oval Office, Trump said Washington would not allow Tehran to use the strait to put pressure on the United States, stating that Iran “cannot blackmail us.” He added that “very good talks are currently taking place with Iran” but noted they “want to close the Strait of Hormuz again,” with more information expected by the end of the day.

The geopolitical standoff has caused significant confusion among shipowners and oil traders attempting to gauge Iran’s commitment to keeping the waterway open. In a statement on Saturday morning, a spokesperson for Iran’s Revolutionary Guards (IRGC) said: “Based on previous agreements that were reached in the negotiations, the Islamic Republic of Iran agreed, in good faith, to a managed passage for a limited number of oil tankers and commercial ships through the Strait of Hormuz.”

Prior to the attacks, tracking data from MarineTraffic showed a convoy of eight vessels—including a Very Large Crude Carrier (VLCC), several product and chemical tankers, and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) carriers—crossing Iranian waters south of Larak Island, with other tankers following from the Gulf. Shipowners, speaking on condition of anonymity due to the sensitivity of the matter, expressed hope they could leave the Gulf during a short ceasefire in the Iran war.

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Egyptian President Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi hailed the announcement as “welcome news for millions who seek peace,” expressing hope it could pave the way toward a lasting agreement that restores regional security and stability. He reaffirmed Egypt’s support for Gulf states, Jordan, and Iraq, stressing that any future deal must address their security concerns, and urged all parties to engage seriously in negotiations.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres welcomed the truce and called for adherence to international law, while Qatar praised Pakistan’s mediation efforts. Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan cautioned against provocations that could derail the fragile agreement.

Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif confirmed reports of violations in several areas and urged restraint to preserve the ceasefire.

On the ground, missile and drone attacks were reported across Gulf countries, including Qatar, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Kuwait, and Bahrain. Qatar said it intercepted a missile and advised residents to remain indoors. Saudi Arabia issued multiple alerts before declaring the threat over, while the UAE reported a fire at a gas facility following a missile threat. Kuwait and Bahrain also reported defensive responses.

Iranian state media linked the attacks to earlier airstrikes on oil facilities on Lavan Island, which damaged refinery infrastructure. The Revolutionary Guards warned of stronger retaliation against any new assault and announced strikes on more than 25 strategic sites.

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian nonetheless described the ceasefire as an achievement, while US President Donald Trump clarified that Lebanon was not part of the agreement. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi added that safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz would be ensured for two weeks under Iranian coordination.

With Washington and Tehran set to begin talks Friday in Islamabad, deep mistrust and ongoing clashes underscore the fragility of the truce.

The most significant threat to the accord lies in Lebanon. President Trump dismissed a recent surge of attacks in Lebanon as a “skirmish” on Wednesday, even as Israel intensified its military campaign in the hours following the announcement of the US-Iran deal. Trump maintained that Lebanon was excluded from the truce due to the presence of Hezbollah.

“They [Hezbollah] were not included in the deal. That’ll get taken care of, too. It’s all right,” the President remarked.

This stance appears to contradict the original announcement made by Prime Minister Sharif, which suggested Lebanon was included in the cessation of hostilities. In response, the IRGC warned that it would intervene if Israeli operations against Lebanon continued.

“We issue a firm warning to the United States and its Zionist ally: if the aggression against beloved Lebanon does not cease immediately, we will fulfil our duty and deliver a response,” the IRGC said in an official statement.

Furthermore, the diplomatic track faces a potential collapse before it begins; according to sources cited by The Wall Street Journal, Iran has informed mediators it will boycott the Pakistan summit unless a ceasefire is simultaneously established in Lebanon.

US Vice President JD Vance will lead the US negotiating team in Islamabad, which is expected to begin on Saturday morning, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said Wednesday.

Trump’s envoy Steve Witkoff and his son-in-law Jared Kushner will accompany Vance in the talks, Leavitt said at a White House press briefing.

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Trump noted that U.S. officials, including special envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, are engaged in ongoing talks with Iranian counterparts, with Vice President J.D. Vance potentially joining the discussions, even as military operations continue and signs of further escalation intensify.

On the ground, Israel said it had killed Asghar Bagheri, identified as the commander of a special operations unit within Iran’s Quds Force, in a strike on Tehran. The Israeli military said he had coordinated operations against Israeli and U.S. targets, though there was no independent confirmation from Iran.

Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz said the military had struck the South Pars petrochemical complex in Assaluyeh and ordered continued attacks on what he described as Iran’s “national infrastructure”. Iranian media reported explosions at the site.

In a sensitive development, the International Atomic Energy Agency said it had detected signs of recent strikes near Iran’s Bushehr nuclear power plant, but confirmed that the facility itself was not damaged. It added that one strike occurred approximately 75 metres from the plant’s perimeter.

Israeli media reported that two missiles were launched from Iran towards Tel Aviv, with debris falling across dozens of locations. Emergency services said one person was injured, while other reports cited additional casualties and damage at around 20 sites.

Further reports indicated that air defence systems intercepted drones entering Israeli airspace from the east, although their origin remained unclear.

Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) said they had downed advanced drones, including an MQ-9, and destroyed a U.S. cruise missile—claims that could not be independently verified. An Iranian military spokesperson said Tehran aims to push its “enemy” to a “point of regret” in order to reinforce deterrence.

The escalation has widened across the Gulf. The UAE said it intercepted 12 ballistic missiles, two cruise missiles and 19 drones, while Kuwait reported dealing with 14 ballistic missiles and 46 drones within 24 hours, with injuries caused by falling debris. In Jordan, a missile and a drone strike resulted in two injuries and material damage.

Highlighting ongoing risks to maritime trade, Turkey said a Turkish vessel had safely crossed the Strait of Hormuz, even as the number of Turkish ships in the area declined amid mounting concerns over threats to energy supplies and shipping routes.

Inside Iran, the IRGC said their intelligence chief was killed in U.S.-Israeli strikes, while local officials reported that nine people, including four children, were killed in an attack on a residential area near Tehran.

Meanwhile, Reuters cited a source as saying that Iran and the United States had received a two-stage proposal to end the conflict, beginning with an immediate ceasefire followed by a comprehensive agreement that could pave the way for reopening the Strait of Hormuz. There was no immediate official comment from either side.

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The burgeoning system requires ship operators to contact an IRGC-linked intermediary to provide sensitive data, including ownership details, crew lists, and Automated Identification System (AIS) data. Following a security screening to ensure no links to Israel or the United States, fees are negotiated based on a five-tier classification of the vessel’s flag state, with tankers typically charged approximately $1 per barrel of oil.

Payments for the transit are being demanded in Chinese yuan or stablecoins, digital currencies pegged to major fiat assets, sources told Bloomberg on condition of anonymity. For a Very Large Crude Carrier (VLCC) capable of holding 2m barrels, a single passage could cost $2m.

The mechanism was recently highlighted when an operator of a stranded tanker in the Arabian Gulf was offered safe passage through the Strait into open waters under IRGC escort. The offer, facilitated by the Pakistani government, was contingent on the vessel re-registering and flying the Pakistani flag.

Internal discussions indicate that Islamabad has contacted major global commodity traders to secure vessels that could temporarily fly the Pakistani flag to transit the Strait. This move is seen as an effort to demonstrate the success of diplomatic channels in navigating the regional conflict. At least two major oil trading firms have received the proposal.

“The Iranian justification is that this falls within their right to self-defence, necessitating inspections and fees for those inspections,” said Jason Chuah, professor of maritime and commercial law at City, University of London. “However, from the perspective of the majority of international law experts, this measure is illegal.”

The IRGC’s “Iranian Toll Gate” involves a specific route between coastal islands where ships must broadcast a secret authorisation code via high-frequency radio. Iran’s semi-official Fars news agency reported that the National Security Committee has already approved a draft law to formalise these transit fees.

The system emerges amid heightened regional tensions and a “war” that has seen frequent missile and drone strikes. On March 31, a Kuwaiti oil tanker was struck by at least one drone near Dubai, resulting in a fire and structural damage. While U.S. President Donald Trump stated on Tuesday his desire to end the conflict within two to three weeks, he noted on Wednesday that a ceasefire would only be possible if the Strait was reopened.

Maritime insurance costs have surged as operators weigh the risks of paying fees to the IRGC, which remains under sanctions by the United States, the European Union, and Britain. Experts warned that such payments could violate anti-money laundering regulations and international sanctions regimes.

Despite the risks, vessel tracking data shows a slight uptick in traffic through the Strait over the past week, though volumes remain a fraction of pre-war levels.

“For this approach to work, Tehran needs to maintain its ability to credibly threaten commercial shipping,” said Basil Germond, an international security professor at Lancaster University. “To keep those threats credible, Tehran needs to target tankers from time to time.”

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In a major development, Israel claimed that it had killed Iran’s top security chief Ali Larijani, marking a significant escalation in Israel’s targeting of high-profile figures linked to Iran’s political and security establishment. Iranian authorities have not issued a formal confirmation of the circumstances, but state media reported mourning messages linked to ongoing military losses.

On the ground, Israel’s Home Front Command said missiles had been launched from Iran toward central Israel, triggering air raid sirens across the greater Tel Aviv area and other locations. The Israeli military said its air defence systems were intercepting incoming threats, while explosions were reported in Jerusalem following alerts in northern regions.

The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) in Iran announced it had launched strikes across the region against what it described as the “U.S.-Israeli enemy,” targeting bases allegedly used in recent American operations. A senior commander said Iranian units stationed on Gulf islands were on high alert and ready to “crush the enemy” if the conflict escalates further.

Tensions have also spread into the Gulf. The Ministry of Defense UAE said its air defence systems were intercepting missile and drone attacks originating from Iran. Explosions were reported near the port of Sharjah, though no confirmed damage to commercial shipping or infrastructure was recorded. In Qatar, blasts were heard over Doha, prompting authorities to raise the security alert level and urge residents to remain indoors.

Politically, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the military campaign aims to “destabilise the regime” in Iran and allow its people to shape their future, warning that such an outcome “will not happen quickly or easily.”

In contrast, an Iranian official said Mojtaba Khamenei had rejected ceasefire proposals relayed through mediators, stressing that Tehran’s stance on retaliation against the United States and Israel remains “firm and very serious.”

Diplomatic efforts appear increasingly strained. The United States Department of State has reportedly instructed diplomats to press allied governments to act swiftly to curb Iran’s capabilities, warning of heightened risks of further attacks.

Separately, Israel said it had killed Gholam Reza Soleimani in an airstrike in Tehran, part of a broader campaign targeting senior Iranian military figures. Iranian media also reported the seizure of hundreds of Starlink devices in a nationwide security operation.

In the United States, the head of the National Counterterrorism Center announced his resignation, citing opposition to the war and arguing that Iran had not posed an “imminent threat,” highlighting potential internal divisions over the escalation.

The widening scope of attacks underscores the growing risk of a broader regional conflict, as military escalation intensifies and prospects for de-escalation remain increasingly uncertain.

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The first misunderstanding concerns the nature of the Iranian regime itself. Unlike many authoritarian governments in the region, the Islamic Republic is not merely a centralised dictatorship dependent on a single ruler or narrow elite. Over four decades since the 1979 revolution, the regime has evolved into a hybrid political system combining ideological institutions, elected bodies, and a powerful security establishment dominated by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). This structure creates redundancy and resilience. Even in moments of leadership crisis or external pressure, authority is distributed across multiple power centres capable of maintaining regime continuity.

Recent developments in 2026 illustrate this resilience. Despite significant military pressure and regional confrontation, Iran has maintained operational cohesion through what analysts call a decentralised or “mosaic defence” structure, allowing regional commanders and security units to continue functioning even if central leadership is disrupted.   This model was designed precisely to ensure regime survival in the event of war, cyber disruption, or leadership decapitation.

The second major factor often overlooked is geography. Iran is not just a country; it is a natural fortress. Two massive mountain systems—the Zagros Mountains in the west and the Alborz Mountains in the north—form defensive barriers that historically limited the success of invading armies.   These mountain ranges, combined with vast deserts such as Dasht-e Kavir and Dasht-e Lut, create a landscape that severely complicates military logistics, supply lines, and troop movements.

Any ground force attempting to penetrate Iran from Iraq, Turkey, or the Persian Gulf would quickly encounter narrow mountain passes and high-altitude terrain exceeding 3,000 meters.   These geographic “chokepoints” give defenders a structural advantage and force invading armies into predictable routes that are easy to monitor and defend. Military historians often note that geography has been one of Iran’s greatest strategic assets for centuries.

The Iran-Iraq War of the 1980s offers a clear example. Saddam Hussein’s invasion initially aimed for a rapid victory, but Iraqi forces quickly became bogged down in difficult terrain along the Zagros Mountains, leading to a costly stalemate that lasted eight years.   The lesson remains relevant today: even a well-equipped army can struggle to achieve decisive gains in such terrain.

Beyond geography and institutional resilience, Iran’s internal social structure further complicates predictions of regime collapse. The country is home to a diverse population—including Persians, Azeris, Kurds, Balochs, Arabs, and others, spread across a fragmented landscape of mountains and valleys.   While ethnic tensions exist, they do not automatically translate into coordinated rebellion. In many cases, communities remain cautious about destabilisation that could lead to wider conflict or foreign intervention.

This does not mean Iran is immune to internal pressures. Economic sanctions, political dissent, and generational shifts continue to challenge the regime. However, the assumption that external pressure or military intervention could quickly topple the government ignores both structural and geographic realities.

Iran’s political system has been shaped by revolution, war, sanctions, and isolation. Over time, these experiences have produced a state whose primary strategic objective is survival. Combined with one of the most defensible landscapes in the world, this makes Iran fundamentally different from regimes that have collapsed under external intervention.

In the end, the question is not whether Iran faces challenges, it clearly does. The real question is whether those challenges can realistically produce a rapid regime collapse. History, geography, and political structure all suggest the same answer: Iran is far harder to topple than many assume.

The post Opinion | Iran Is Not Iraq: Why the Islamic Republic Is Harder to Topple Than Many Think first appeared on Dailynewsegypt.