Following the funeral of Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei, the influence of hardliners has reportedly increased, raising the possibility of military conflict with the United States.
According to reports from Yonhap News and The Washington Post, Khamenei's funeral has prompted Iran's leadership to adopt a more hardline stance, testing President Donald Trump's resolve in response.
Before the funeral proceedings concluded, Iran attacked commercial vessels using a southern route supported by the U.S. Subsequently, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) declared that the Hormuz Strait would be "closed until further notice."
Mojtaba Khamenei, the Supreme Leader's son, stated in a recent announcement that revenge for his father's assassination "will certainly be carried out."
At the funeral, chants against negotiations with the U.S. were prevalent, with attendees shouting anti-American and anti-Israeli slogans, including calls for death to "traitors." This was interpreted as a message directed at the leadership that has engaged in negotiations with the U.S.
In fact, there were boos and criticism directed at figures such as Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, the Speaker of Parliament, who are seen as proponents of negotiation.
Benham Ben Taleblu, an Iran expert at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies, noted, "Iran's hardliners believe that the survival of the regime depends not on engagement with the U.S. but on escalating tensions. There is now a willingness to risk direct confrontation with the U.S., moving beyond gray zone conflicts."
Some analysts suggest that Iran is increasing pressure, believing that President Trump, facing the upcoming November midterm elections, does not desire a prolonged full-scale war.
However, among Iran's population of 90 million, only a small segment actively supports the government and hardliners, indicating that the public opinion presented by hardliners may not reflect the actual sentiments of the populace.
The U.S. has also made it clear that it will respond firmly to any further provocations. Senior U.S. officials reportedly warned Iran through private communications via Qatar that there would be "no good outcomes" if attacks in the Hormuz Strait do not cease.
According to reports from Yonhap News and The Washington Post, Khamenei's funeral has prompted Iran's leadership to adopt a more hardline stance, testing President Donald Trump's resolve in response.
Before the funeral proceedings concluded, Iran attacked commercial vessels using a southern route supported by the U.S. Subsequently, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) declared that the Hormuz Strait would be "closed until further notice."
Mojtaba Khamenei, the Supreme Leader's son, stated in a recent announcement that revenge for his father's assassination "will certainly be carried out."
At the funeral, chants against negotiations with the U.S. were prevalent, with attendees shouting anti-American and anti-Israeli slogans, including calls for death to "traitors." This was interpreted as a message directed at the leadership that has engaged in negotiations with the U.S.
In fact, there were boos and criticism directed at figures such as Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, the Speaker of Parliament, who are seen as proponents of negotiation.
Benham Ben Taleblu, an Iran expert at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies, noted, "Iran's hardliners believe that the survival of the regime depends not on engagement with the U.S. but on escalating tensions. There is now a willingness to risk direct confrontation with the U.S., moving beyond gray zone conflicts."
Some analysts suggest that Iran is increasing pressure, believing that President Trump, facing the upcoming November midterm elections, does not desire a prolonged full-scale war.
However, among Iran's population of 90 million, only a small segment actively supports the government and hardliners, indicating that the public opinion presented by hardliners may not reflect the actual sentiments of the populace.
The U.S. has also made it clear that it will respond firmly to any further provocations. Senior U.S. officials reportedly warned Iran through private communications via Qatar that there would be "no good outcomes" if attacks in the Hormuz Strait do not cease.
* This article has been translated by AI.
Copyright ⓒ Aju Press All rights reserved.