Disolving into chaos, Iran’s domestic situation begins to unravel
Adding to the pressure of Israeli strikes on Iran’s key defense and energy assets, the regime is now facing increasing troubles from growing protests across more than 150 cities.
The regime’s outlook isn’t being helped by statements and actions of a US president that seems increasingly intent on attaching himself to Israel’s operation. Having discarded the “no more wars” philosophy that now seems only to be applicable regarding Russia, President Donald Trump is now moving the U.S. closer to direct conflict with Iran — a shift even raising alarm within his own party.
To the north, Russia attempts to manage losing one of its most important allies and the negative PR fall out by positioning itself as a diplomatic voice calling for restraint. In reality Moscow is Iran’s closest military ally, with cooperation in drones, missiles, and battlefield coordination as well as a plethora of energy entanglements.
Growing protests
Iran is gripped by a sweeping uprising fueled by rising fuel prices and economic collapse. What started as anger over diesel costs has ballooned into a nationwide revolt, directly challenging Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
Anti-government chants fill streets as security forces respond with live ammunition and mass arrests. Experts warn the regime faces its most serious legitimacy crisis in over a decade.
Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz wrote on X,
“Symbols of government are being bombed and destroyed. This is how dictatorships collapse.”
Trump: “Iran Must Surrender”
After abruptly leaving the G7 Summit, Trump delivered a stark message: Iran must “surrender completely” or face devastating consequences.
“We are not looking for talks,” he said. “We want Iran to surrender — completely.”
He also called Khamenei “an easy target,” raising alarms in European capitals and NATO.
Behind the scenes, Trump has consulted with national security aides and is considering deploying U.S. bombers and refueling aircraft to support Israeli strikes.
Israeli Strikes
Israel has ramped up its campaign against Iran, hitting targets in Tehran, Esfahan, and Mashhad. A senior Israeli official told CNN that while Israel can act alone, the entire operation assumes eventual U.S. involvement.
The Pentagon is preparing for escalation even without formal orders:
3 aircraft carriers now stationed in or near the Gulf
B-2 stealth bombers on standby for long-range missions
Cyber teams monitoring Iran’s Fordow and Natanz nuclear facilities
KC-135 tankers potentially assigned to support Israeli sorties
According to two officials, Trump is “warming to the idea” of limited U.S. strikes on nuclear targets if Israel requests direct support.
Many of Trump’s voters oppose another costly Middle East war, creating a tense divide between political brinkmanship and public reluctance as tensions with Iran escalate.
Congress Divided
Senator Mark Warner, top Democrat on the Senate Intelligence Committee, expressed confusion and concern over Trump’s stance.
“I support Israel’s right to defend itself, but I’m pretty confused now,” Warner told CNN.
His priority is protecting U.S. personnel in the region. Meanwhile, bipartisan efforts are underway to require congressional approval before any U.S. military action against Iran.
Russia Condemns Israeli Strikes
Russia’s Foreign Ministry condemned Israeli strikes as “illegal” attacks on peaceful nuclear facilities, warning they risk a nuclear catastrophe.
“These attacks on peaceful nuclear facilities are illegal under international law… and push the world toward a nuclear catastrophe,” the ministry said.
It accused Western countries of exploiting the conflict for political gain and defended Iran’s compliance with the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty.
Moscow urged renewed diplomacy, noting Iran’s expressed willingness to resume talks with the United States.
Yet Russia’s deep military alliance with Tehran—spanning weapons transfers and battlefield coordination—raises serious questions about its role as a mediator.This moment stands at a crossroads where protests, precision strikes, and geopolitical brinkmanship collide. The decisions made in the next days could reshape the region for years to come.
