DW Berlin Briefing - Inside German politics What the Iran war means for the Middle East and beyond
Mar 2, 2026
Niloufar Gholami, a DW Persian reporter on the ground in Iran, gives vivid on-the-ground perspective. She describes strikes in Tehran, civilian fear and infrastructure damage. She outlines risks to energy assets and regional spillover. She discusses interim leadership after killed leaders and how international responses shape regional dynamics.
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Conflict Is Spreading Beyond Iran
- The conflict has entered a spreading phase with strikes beyond Iran, including Cyprus, Dubai, Bahrain, and exchanges between Hezbollah and Israel.
- Richard Walker warns this geographic widening raises the risk of the war reaching new, more dangerous theatres.
Tehran Civilians Face Panic And Shortages
- Niloufar Gholami reports panic in Tehran as people experience strikes and infrastructure hits, separating ordinary Iranians from the regime.
- She describes civilians stocking two months' supplies and fearing hospital and school attacks during sustained strikes.
Leadership Vacuum Could Destabilize Iran
- The killing of Iran's top leaders creates an unprecedented leadership test and potential power struggle within Iran's decades-old regime.
- Richard Walker notes planned succession mechanisms may be tested and could lead to factional competition or implosion.