The assassination of Khamenei was a serious mistake from every angle. It looks like a great achievement of day one that both Trump and Netanyahu can present, but in reality it is a double-edged sword.

Khamenei is 87 years old. He is undoubtedly the head of a snake responsible for enormous amounts of terrorism for almost 40 years. However, he is a symbol for Iranians, and they have been actively preparing, with or without Israel’s threats, for a succession after Khamenei. So this is not what will bring down the regime.

A foreign attack unites citizens, even those who oppose the regime, against the enemy. It is no coincidence that both Trump and Netanyahu are calling on the Iranian public to rise up — because that is apparently the only chance to topple the regime. But this won’t bring it down. The assassination of Khamenei unites more Iranians than it encourages them to pursue a regime change.

The Shia will not forget the assassination of their leader of 39 years. The war against Israel and the US will continue for many years, even if this current round ends soon. There is a Persian proverb (with many........

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