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Source: https://www.ynetnews.com/opinions-analysis/article/bkeouf5mml
Khamenei's Funeral Draws Masses, but Iran's Real Crisis Begins Now
(Ynet News) Dr. Raz Zimmt - Iran's leadership is seeking to present the funeral processions for Iran's former leader, Ali Khamenei, as a show of force in an effort to demonstrate its victory and strength. The mass turnout cannot be ignored, evidence that the regime is able to maintain support among several million citizens who are loyal to it for ideological reasons or depend on it for their livelihood. However, there are several fundamental problems that cannot be concealed. The continued absence of leader Mojtaba from public view is raising questions. A series of meetings was held on the sidelines of the funeral ceremonies between senior regime officials and representatives of the "resistance front," including Hamas, Hizbullah, the Lebanese Shiite Amal, and the Houthis. The officials stressed the Islamic Republic's continued support for the pro-Iranian axis in the region and emphasized Tehran's commitment to linking negotiations with the U.S. to the Lebanese front, as well as Gaza. These statements reflect the leadership's growing confidence in its ability to achieve a regional order that recognizes Iran's status, given its success in inflicting significant damage on its neighbors and on the global economy. The writer is Director of the Iran and the Shi'ite Axis Program at the Institute for National Security Studies (INSS).