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Khamenei Will See Sanctions on Him as a Direct Challenge to the Revolution
(Washington Institute for Near East Policy) Patrick Clawson and Mehdi Khalaji - President Trump's June 24 executive order closes the U.S. financial system to those who deal with individuals directly appointed by Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, or with institutions controlled by these appointees. No step could be better designed to infuriate the regime's top official. The essence of Iran's 1979 Islamic Revolution was the concept of giving absolute power to the nation's Supreme Leader. Khamenei has built an imposing cult of personality. Iranian media are required to refer to him not with the constitutional title of "Leader," but as "Exalted Supreme Leader." Those seen as criticizing him are treated harshly. In a May 29 speech, Khamenei argued that Iran's only possible response to U.S. sanctions is to gain leverage against the U.S. so that it can be in a position of strength. In his view, Iran has ample "instruments of exerting pressure" at its disposal and should use them. Tehran has indeed gained leverage. Whereas two months ago the narrative centered on Washington's unexpected success at imposing real pain on Iran's economy, today's focus is on how dangerous and volatile the region has become, with many world leaders now pushing for compromise. Patrick Clawson is a senior fellow and director of research at The Washington Institute, where Mehdi Khalaji is a fellow.