How the US and Israel are making the Islamic republic stronger

The US and Israel's military actions are inadvertently strengthening Iran's Islamic Republic by reinforcing its theological narrative of martyrdom and sacrifice among its population. The ongoing conflict is validating Iran's longstanding claim that it faces existential threats from external adversaries, a message that resonates deeply within the country's religious and political framework. This dynamic complicates efforts to weaken Iranian influence in the region, as the war narrative bolsters regime legitimacy and unity at a moment when sanctions and economic pressure might otherwise erode public support. The theological framing transforms military casualties and civilian suffering into religious meaning rather than costly failures, making it harder for domestic opposition to challenge the government. The pattern illustrates how military pressure, without broader diplomatic or internal political change, can paradoxically entrench the very regime it aims to constrain.