Inside Story

How robust is the Iranian state system?

The Israeli-US strikes have put Iran under its greatest pressure since 1979.

Huge crowds of mourners have filled the streets of Iran after Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was killed in attacks by the United States and Israel on Saturday.

The complex process of selecting his successor is already under way.

So, how does Iran work, and how robust are its state systems, which are now under attack?

Presenter: Rishaad Salamat

Guests:

Ibrahim Fraihat – associate professor in international conflict resolution at the Doha Institute for Graduate Studies

Sanam Vakil – director of the Middle East and North Africa programme at Chatham House

Elijah Magnier – military and political analyst

Published On 1 Mar 20261 Mar 2026

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