Iran's regime is still intact - the coming days will show if it can hold out
BBC World
March 1, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
Iran's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei has been killed in a wave of US-Israeli strikes, plunging the country into its most severe crisis since the 1979 Islamic Revolution. The regime is now grappling with leadership succession, internal instability, and external threats. While Iran's constitution provides mechanisms for continuity, the selection process for a new supreme leader remains deeply influenced by entrenched power structures. The Assembly of Experts, tasked with choosing Khamenei's successor, operates under significant constraints, as candidates must be vetted by the Guardian Council, which is closely tied to the leadership hierarchy.
The death of Khamenei has triggered both chaos and opportunity for regime change. Public celebrations in Iran and among diaspora communities reflect widespread dissatisfaction with the Islamic Republic. US President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu have called on Iranians to seize control of their government, adding pressure to an already volatile situation. Iran's military, though capable of retaliating, has suffered heavy losses, including senior commanders killed in the strikes. This leaves the regime vulnerable, with leadership decapitated and decision-making strained as it enters crisis mode.
The selection process for a new leader is shrouded in secrecy, with speculation focusing on potential candidates
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Originally published on BBC World on 3/1/2026