The Journal. What’s Next for Iran?
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Mar 2, 2026 
Sune Engel Rasmussen, Wall Street Journal Middle East correspondent who reports from the region, walks through the aftermath of strikes that killed Iran’s leader and Tehran’s swift retaliation. He outlines how Iran’s distributed power, regional strikes across the Gulf, risks to U.S. forces and allies, and the potential for a wider, prolonged regional war.
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Decapitation Strike Changed Iran's Leadership
- The U.S. and Israel struck Iran while senior leaders, including Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, were meeting, enabling a decapitation-style attack that killed the supreme leader and top commanders.
- The strikes also damaged civilian sites including residential buildings and an elementary school, producing significant Iranian casualties and domestic shock.
Khamenei Left A Strong State And Deep Domestic Discontent
- Khamenei ruled for 37 years, strengthening Iran militarily while leaving rising domestic discontent against the Islamic Republic's social model and repression.
- The regime is militarily stronger than in 1989 yet faces unprecedented popular pressure and alienation.
Protests And External Messaging Complicated Regime Stability
- December protests and a brutal security crackdown left thousands dead, heightening domestic tensions before the strikes and making regime survival fragile.
- President Trump's public calls urging Iranians to 'take over your government' added external pressure and political signaling.