CHAPEL HILL, N.C. (WTVD) — Questions continue over the ongoing conflict in Iran, as the Ayatollah’s son is now the new supreme leader.
With Ayatollah Ali Khamenei’s son being named the next supreme leader, hardliners will remain in control of the country – raising questions about whether the U.S. will be pulled deeper into a growing conflict.
“That’s sort of the big question – is there going to be an escalation? A lot of people don’t really understand what the endgame is,” says UNC Professor Navin Bapat, chair of the Political Science Department and an expert in American foreign policy.
He says his students are asking the same questions many Americans have: Will the U.S. be pulled into a long war similar to Iraq or Afghanistan? And can the U.S. negotiate with the new supreme leader, or will it push for full regime change?
“Is it the case that the United States and Israel want the entire regime to collapse? Do they want a complete change? Do they want a new leadership structure to emerge? Again, it’s not clear what exactly is happening with the new supreme leader. This is likely going to reinforce the same structure. So if that person is willing to negotiate, will the United States and Israel settle for that?” Bapat said. “That, I think, is the question to watch.”
It’s a difficult question, sparking mixed emotions. While many Iranians are glad to see a painful chapter close and hope for a new future, what comes next remains unclear – and the threat of a longer war is still an open concern.
“Previous operations, like the first Gulf War, involved a large number of countries supporting the United States. Even in the second Gulf War, there were many more,” Bapat said. “So seeing the United States potentially going it alone is a bit concerning.”
President Trump previously said Khamenei’s son would be an unacceptable choice.
In the meantime, the ongoing situation will continue to affect global supply chains and influence oil prices.
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