By Blerim Abedini– We are witnessing rapid geopolitical developments and devastating wars. The war between Iran and the US-Israeli allies started after the launch of Operation Epic Fury on February 28, 2026. It involves a mix of high-tech conventional attacks. There are also asymmetric tactics and regional warfare. The attacks have targeted missile production lines and nuclear facilities (such as Taleghan 2).
The Middle East has been involved in numerous military conflicts throughout history. Its geostrategic location has often been a contributing factor. Additionally, its role as an international religious center plays a part. In the war against Iran, the US aims to overthrow the Islamic leadership and establish a unified democratic government. It seems that President Trump does not support the nomination of the former Pahlavi Dynasty. The Iranian people do not support it either. In fact, in Iran, “Pahlavi” refers to the last ruling dynasty (1925–1979). It refers to its members, especially Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, the last Shah, who was deposed in 1979. His son, Reza Pahlavi, is a prominent opposition leader in exile.
They represent a past of secular, Western-oriented monarchy before the current Islamic rule.
The US, along with Israel, is focusing on highly precise air strikes aimed at weakening the Iranian leadership and neutralizing its nuclear and missile capabilities, including Iranian security infrastructure such as the Law Enforcement Command (LEC, formerly the Law Enforcement Force or FARAJA) and Iran’s main uniformed national police force.
In addition to the Basij checkpoints, the Basij are paramilitary volunteer police. They are under the direct command of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).
As media reports, President Trump is trying to place a new leader in Iran. This leader is expected to be welcomed by the entire Iranian population.
This situation raises the question of support provided by other ethnic groups. Consider the Kurds in northwestern Iran, Iraq, and Syria, who number 25 million. The Kurds have cooperated with the US in the Middle East over the past decades. US administrations have signalled their willingness to support the establishment of a Kurdish state. The US and its ally Israel are conducting the fighting with air strikes. They use F-35 Lightning II and F-22 Raptor fighter jets.
Strategic bombers such as the B-21 Raider and the B-52 Stratofortress are also being used. The ships USS Abraham Lincoln and USS Gerald R. Ford are also stationed in the region and equipped with hundreds of aircraft. These include F/A-18E/F Super Hornets, Tomahawk cruise missiles, and precision-guided munitions: free-fall bombs converted into GPS-guided weapons. Israel’s Iron Dome and Arrow 3 multi-layered defense systems are also present. The United States uses THAAD and Patriot batteries to protect regional bases and allies. SM-3 interceptor missiles are launched from Aegis-equipped destroyers to intercept Iranian ballistic missiles in space.
Iran possesses an arsenal of ballistic missiles, its primary offensive weapon, including the hypersonic Khaibar Shekan and Fattah variants. It also operates “disposable” attack drones (Shaheed series), so-called kamikaze drones, designed for various targets, particularly energy infrastructure. Naval Forces: The Revolutionary Guard’s navy operates fleets of fast attack craft. It also operates small submarines and autonomous naval systems. These are used for hit-and-run tactics in the Strait of Hormuz.
Wars bring sacrifices, but also hope for a better future. Tehran has signaled it will only cease retaliatory attacks if three conditions are met. The first condition is the recognition of its regional security rights. The second is compensation for the damage caused by the attacks of February 28. The third requirement is international guarantees against future attacks.
However, it is questionable whether reparations will be paid after the war. The opening of the Strait of Hormuz should also be considered a cause of the energy crisis and inflation. However, it is crucial to see the desire for a democratic Iran. Iran should respect the rights of its citizens and freedom of expression. It must also develop bilateral relations with its neighbors.