Mohammad Hossein Bagheri, Head of the Iqbal Think Tank and an international affairs expert, in a 35-minute interview with the analytical media platform “Mustaqbal” in Pakistan, examined the latest situation of the war imposed on Iran by the United States and Israel.

Domestic situation and resilience

Contrary to the perception promoted by Western media, the attacks have not led to collapse in Iran; rather, they have created a form of national unity. Bagheri believes that despite internal differences, Iranians act like a single “fist” when facing external aggression.

In Tehran, daily life continues normally; electricity, gas, and fuel supplies have not been cut off, and stores remain fully stocked with fresh goods.

Military capability and war strategy

Iran has the capacity to produce around 100 ballistic missiles and 500 to 800 drones per day. This means it can sustain a prolonged war of attrition.

The cost difference is significant: a $35,000 Iranian drone versus interceptor missiles costing about $1.5 million.

So far, only first- and second-generation missiles have been used, while more advanced (third- and fourth-generation) systems have not yet been deployed.

Leadership succession

Currently, a temporary council is managing affairs, and the name of the new leader is expected to be announced by next week.

Names discussed in political circles include Mojtaba Khamenei, Hassan Khomeini, Ayatollah Arafi, Hassan Rouhani, Ayatollah Mirbagheri, and Ayatollah Araki.

According to Bagheri, Mojtaba Khamenei and Hassan Khomeini appear to have higher chances at this stage.

Security threats and borders

Opponents are attempting to use Kurdish separatist groups, the MEK, and groups such as Jaish al-Adl in Sistan and Baluchestan to create internal unrest.

Iran is significantly strengthening its borders with Iraq and Pakistan to prevent infiltration by such groups.

Relations with Saudi Arabia and regional countries

Iran’s official position: it is not at war with Saudi Arabia and does not intend to target oil facilities such as Aramco.

However, it has warned that any location hosting U.S. military bases or personnel (such as in Bahrain or Jordan) will be considered a legitimate target.

Intelligence penetration and technology

Bagheri does not deny technological infiltration by Israel and the United States (such as hacking cameras or GPS systems), but emphasizes that Iran is fighting based on “legitimate defense,” public motivation, and ideological resilience—not merely on technological superiority.