Ayatollah Ali Khamenei’s proxies have mired the Middle East and North Africa region in multiple conflicts, and his military is transferring drones to Russia for use in the war against Ukraine.
Iran’s ailing economy and the country’s poor working conditions – worsened by power shortages and rising food prices – have led to protests by laborers across the country, including nurses, healthcare staff, emergency personnel, oil and gas workers, and retirees.
With his hands full, Khamenei talked about a strategic retreat this week, sensing a crisis of legitimacy and fearing a resurgence of protests that could challenge the state’s foundations. He suggested that Iran’s government should be willing to engage with the West “when necessary” but not to rely on the “enemy.”
