CNN
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For over than three many years, Iran constructed an online of proxy networks to push its battles far past its borders – protecting enemies at bay, as Supreme Chief Ayatollah Ali Khamenei tightened his grip on energy. Direct strikes on Iran remained inconceivable.
That picture of invincibility crumbled within the house of hours on June 13, when Israel launched a shock, unprecedented assault deep inside Iran, shattering Tehran’s sense of safety and unraveling its fastidiously cultivated aura of power.
Its strikes took out top military leaders and a few of Iran’s most outstanding nuclear scientists, together with a number of as they slept at residence with their households. The human toll was vital, with 627 killed, together with at the least 49 ladies and 13 youngsters, in response to Hossein Kermanpour, head of the data heart on the Ministry of Well being. The US joined Israel’s campaign on Sunday, placing three nuclear websites earlier than declaring a ceasefire between Israel and Iran the day after.
Many in Iran and overseas now worry the nation’s management – its pleasure and defenses wounded – could tighten its grip at residence whereas adopting a way more hawkish stance in each home and international coverage.
Israel and the US had floated regime change as a possible consequence of their assaults on Iran, which they hoped would end in a state extra pleasant to them. Their failure to convey this about has prompted the regime to say victory.
Iran’s management has proven resilience, changing these it misplaced and finishing up a harsh crackdown on these it sees as being complicit in Israel’s assault.
Indicators additionally level to a regime that’s much more paranoid, and prone to rule with a tighter fist at residence in worry of cooperation with its enemies.

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