Escalation Trap: Misreading Iran's Internal Power Dynamics

All available evidence strongly suggests that Iran's government and regional and civic leaders have rallied around newly chosen Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei, said to be even more 'hardline' than his slain father. Previously we highlighted the assessment of the NY-based Soufan Center to say "experts and global officials are quick to point out that all layers of Iran's existing power structure oppose US influence in Iran and the broader region. Regime officials differ only by degree, and the opportunities to mimic the transition achieved in Venezuela are narrow."

Trump has made clear this pick for supreme leader is "unacceptable"; however, in his most recent Monday statements the US President refused to answer when a reporter asked whether the younger, newly installed Khamenei has a target on his back.