Has the US strike destroyed the country's credibility ?

The killing of Iran’s supreme leader has sent shockwaves across the world. But some analysts warn the moment could be remembered for something even bigger — the day the United States lost its credibility as a global peacemaker.

The dramatic escalation followed air strikes by the United States and Israel that targeted Iran’s leadership. The attack reportedly killed Ali Khamenei, a figure widely condemned for presiding over decades of repression and hostility toward the West.

Britain’s Defence Secretary John Healey said few would mourn Khamenei, describing his rule as an “evil regime”. Under Khamenei, Iran repeatedly called for the destruction of Israel and chanted “death to America” while enforcing strict control over Iranian society.

Yet the aftermath of the strikes could prove far more dangerous. Critics warn that what rises from the rubble may not resemble a Western-style democracy.

Instead, attention is turning to the powerful Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. The elite force has already launched retaliatory attacks across the Middle East and beyond, signalling a possible escalation of violence.

Observers fear a hardline military junta could emerge from the chaos. Such a regime might be dominated by Revolutionary Guard commanders and intelligence figures determined to expand Iranian influence.

Reports suggest some IRGC leaders were killed in the strikes. But analysts warn that surviving loyalists may now seek revenge, potentially increasing Iran’s role in exporting terrorism abroad.

The situation is further complicated by Iran’s connections with extremist networks. Even groups linked to Osama bin Laden have reportedly received shelter from Iranian officials despite sectarian divisions between Sunni and Shia Islam.

Meanwhile Iran’s regional allies face growing pressure. Organisations including Hezbollah, Houthis, and pro-Iran militias in Iraq have been targeted or weakened by military action.

Analysts warn these groups could lash out at Western countries if they believe they have nothing left to lose. Such retaliation could trigger a wave of instability across the Middle East.

Adding to the tragedy, an Iranian school in the country’s south was accidentally hit during the strikes. At least 148 people are believed to have been killed — a devastating incident critics say will haunt the operation for decades.

The strikes have also sparked fierce debate about legality and strategy. Critics say the operation was launched without approval from the U.S. Congress or authorisation from the UN Security Council.

President Donald Trump described the attacks as “preventive” action aimed at stopping Iran from becoming a nuclear threat. Yet U.S. intelligence had previously suggested it could take three years for Iran to build a nuclear weapon.

Another question hangs over the military strategy itself. The operation — dubbed Operation Epic Fury — relies heavily on air power rather than ground troops.

Analysts note that Iran’s military forces include around 200,000 members of the Revolutionary Guard and allied units. A ground invasion would likely require hundreds of thousands of coalition troops, and no such force has been assembled.

Karin von Hippel warned air campaigns alone rarely succeed without troops on the ground. However, she said there remains a small chance that weakening the regime could create space for popular uprisings.

Others are cautiously watching events unfold. Bronwen Maddox suggested the best-case scenario would see protesters return to the streets and eventually produce new leadership capable of replacing the regime.

But the worst case could be far darker. If the Revolutionary Guard maintains control and continues striking other countries, the region could face widespread destabilisation.

For now, the world is left watching nervously — unsure whether the strikes will spark revolution or unleash a far more dangerous era.

Key Takeaways

• The killing of Iran’s leader could reshape the Middle East and global politics.

• Experts warn hardline Revolutionary Guard forces may seize power after the strikes.

• Critics say the operation could damage U.S. credibility in future peace negotiations.

Chris Hughes: 'Killing Iran leader may be remembered as day US lost its credibility in future'