The Iran Israel missile escalation has drawn global attention after US and Israeli strikes hit Tehran. The crisis follows failed nuclear talks and unrest inside Iran. Several powerful figures now shape the direction of events.
US President Donald Trump has taken a hard line on Iran. He withdrew from the 2018 nuclear deal and pushed a “maximum pressure” policy. Although he reopened indirect talks in February, he continued to warn Tehran against pursuing nuclear weapons.
Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei remains central to Tehran’s strategy. He has ruled since 1989 and controls major state decisions. He supports uranium enrichment as a national right and rejects limits on missile development. Moreover, he has warned that any US-led war would spread across the region.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu views Iran’s nuclear and missile programs as an existential threat. Therefore, he has repeatedly signaled readiness for military action. He has also urged Iranians to challenge their leadership.
Exiled opposition figure Reza Pahlavi calls for democratic change and has asked Washington for support. Meanwhile, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman seeks regional stability. Although Riyadh distrusts Tehran, it fears wider chaos.
