Mojtaba Khamenei

Experts have frequently called into question the role of Khamenei, who has not been seen since being injured in the same attack that killed his father, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

Iran has demonstrated that countries do not need to be at war with it to become targets. As such, Israel and the Gulf States should work together to protect themselves.

Khamenei threatened that "the noble Iranian nation and the Axis of Resistance have unforgettable lessons in store" for the US Army.

Hamas unable to conduct terror infiltration, repeat of October 7, IDF commander tells soldiers • Dubai gov't says explosions heard in city are 'false,' despite witness reports

Many believe Iran is currently operating with four overlapping centers of authority – and that each is vying for supreme power.

Trump, Netanyahu expected to meet in US on Monday • US CENTCOM redirects vessels attempting to breach Hormuz blockade • IDF may begin withdrawal within days after Israel-Lebanon talks in Rome end

According to INSS Iran expert Ben Sabti, the regime's very survival gives the leadership a sense of victory. The central power mechanisms continue to function. 

US carries out fresh round of strikes in Iran • CENTCOM reinstates blockade in Strait of Hormuz • Trump requests Israel to pull out of Syria, Lebanon

US seeks Iranian pledge to free up Hormuz • Iranian official brags of tripled drone capacity • IDF coordinating with US military in preparation for possible strikes

The IDF ran through possible scenarios with the US military as the war with Iran escalates, remaining on high alert for the possibility of Iran striking Israel.