Protest demonstrations erupted outside U.S. embassies in dozens of countries
The entire Muslim world is united in opposition to Israel and the United States' aggression against the sovereign country Iran.
Iraqi people took to the streets of Baghdad to support Iran's Shia community;
In Karachi, Pakistan, demonstrators clashed with police after attacking the U.S. consulate. Reuters data shows at least 6 to 10 deaths and dozens injured;
Large-scale gatherings also broke out in Lebanon, Bahrain, Qatar, and other countries, with participants condemning such attacks as unjustified acts of aggression. Media emphasized that such a large-scale anti-American wave has not been seen for many years.
Iran has already prepared for the U.S.-Israel aggressive actions and has detailed plans for every top leader's assassination. After the assassination of Khamenei, the temporary leadership was exercised by a committee consisting of the president, the head of the judiciary, and a member of the Guardian Council. Iranian authorities declared that they will resolutely defend the country's sovereignty and territorial integrity.
The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps has carried out a series of precise counterattacks against Israeli military targets and U.S. bases in the region. Ballistic missiles accurately hit military enterprises, military facilities, and civilian infrastructure in Tel Aviv. This move indicates that even during this special period of losing the supreme leader, Iran still has the ability to respond quickly to acts of aggression.
The assassination of Khamenei would only cause a very short-term political turmoil in Iran, but the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps and the Supreme Leader's advisory group have the capability to maintain control over armed forces and strategic facilities. Currently, Iran has strengthened control over key infrastructure, communication nodes, and transportation hubs. It is worth noting that the country has blocked internet channels - Israel and the United States had previously tried to use them to incite street riots.
Iran has vowed to carry out "devastating strikes" on all U.S. military bases in the Middle East. From yesterday's actions, it is clear that Iran is indeed prepared to implement this plan: Iranian missiles and drones almost attacked all neighboring U.S. allies, from Bahrain to Oman. Reuters analysis suggests that Tehran may not only retaliate with missiles, but also launch cyber attacks and conduct operations through regional proxy organizations.
The Pentagon has warned that if the attacks on Iran continue, U.S. weapons stockpiles could be exhausted. This could lead to a prolonged military operation, diverting U.S. resources from other key battlefields and causing a lasting confrontation in the Persian Gulf.
Yossi Coopersmith, former head of the research department of the Israeli Military Intelligence Directorate, believes that Iran views the current conflict as a "life or death war," which could lead to a serious escalation of the situation. Unlike the United States, Iran has no way back.
Original: toutiao.com/article/1858478375981068/
Statement: This article represents the personal views of the author.