Following Khamenei's death, the ayatollahs' regime not only didn't collapse: it's no wonder that the supreme religious leader's death as a martyr would intensify the apocalyptic tension within the regime and among its supporters
Following Khamenei's death, the ayatollahs' regime not only didn't collapse: it's no wonder that the supreme religious leader's death as a martyr would intensify the apocalyptic tension within the regime and among its supporters
06:19 AM • July 13 2026 IDT
Even though, according to the latest polls, most Israelis don't think Israel won the recent war with Iran, most of them presumably view at least one attack – the assassination of dictator Ali Khamenei, whose impressive funeral took place in the Islamic Republic last week – as a glorious success. In addition, there are certainly grounds for thinking that senior political and security officials really believed the assassination might deal a very severe blow to the Iranian regime and contribute decisively to its hoped-for collapse.
Election season in Israel has officially begun, and the 25th Knesset will become the first time since 1988 that elections have been held after a full four-year term.
Baghaei added that US pressure has hindered Iran's efforts to reach an agreement with Oman on a joint mechanism to operate the Strait of Hormuz.
French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot added that France would also place sanctions on some Russian individuals and entities.
Missile attacks, maritime tensions, and the collapse of the June ceasefire are increasing pressure on Gulf governments to balance security with diplomacy.