But a dramatic US military operation more than 7,000 miles away looms even larger over the Islamic Republic. The leadership of the Islamic Republic has long-warned about American-instigated regime change, telling supporters and opposition alike that the ultimate goal of Western powers is to topple it. Adding to American pressure, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared support for Iranian protesters, likely heightening paranoia in Tehran. “Rioters must be put in their place.”Protesters march in downtown Tehran, Iran, on December 29. Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro meets with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian on the sidelines of the BRICS summit in Kazan, Russia, on October 24, 2024.

Source: CNN January 07, 2026 05:35 UTC