Bombed but not broken: Why is Iran’s regime still standing despite US-Israel attacks?

Heavy bombing by the US and Israel has killed Iran’s top leader and many generals, but the country’s government is not collapsing yet. Although Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was killed at the start of the war, his son, Mojtaba, has already taken his place. US intelligence experts say the ruling group is staying united and still has a firm grip on the people. While the strikes have smashed buildings and homes, the massive public uprising that some expected has not happened.

Fear and pride in the ruins

On the ground in Tehran, the mood is a mix of terror and anger. Many people say they hate the regime but are too afraid to protest while missiles are falling. The police have warned that anyone stepping onto the streets will be treated as an enemy and shot. Some residents feel trapped because the bombing has destroyed the very streets where they would usually gather. Interestingly, some Iranians are feeling more patriotic; they are angry at the foreign leaders ordering the attacks as much as their own government.

A military on the edge

The country’s main fighting force, the Revolutionary Guard, is struggling to cope. With their headquarters destroyed and many commanders dead, soldiers are hiding in schools and hospitals to stay alive. Their communications are broken, and many of the 900,000 armed personnel are becoming exhausted and desperate. Experts suggest that if the pressure continues, these soldiers might eventually stop following orders or even switch sides. The government is also very worried about ethnic groups, like the Kurds, who are well organised and could lead a fight to take back control.

No clear end in sight

The future remains uncertain as world leaders send mixed signals. President Donald Trump says the war is nearly over because there are few targets left to hit, but his staff are preparing for weeks of more strikes. Israel’s leaders believe they are "breaking the bones" of the regime but admit it is up to the Iranian people to ultimately change their government. Meanwhile, Iran is fighting back by attacking oil ships, which could send global petrol prices through the roof. Even if the government survives the war, it will be a "bloodied" and much weaker version of what it was before.