The US-Israel war, initiated in February, has led to significant changes in Iran's political landscape, resulting in a regime described as more dangerous than before. Following the assassination of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, his son, Mojtaba Khamenei, has taken over, marking a shift towards a hard-line leadership that is less inclined to pursue political compromise. Analysts report that the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has strengthened its grip on power, with more extreme factions now in charge, which increases the likelihood of ongoing conflict. The leadership's military strategy has shifted to a more aggressive stance, raising concerns about the potential for further escalation. Additionally, Iran's control over the Strait of Hormuz, a critical chokepoint for global oil supplies, has become more pronounced, with the regime using its influence to threaten shipping routes. Domestically, the government has intensified crackdowns on dissent, utilizing arrests and executions to suppress the 2026 Iranian Uprising, the largest protest movement since 1979. The current state of US-Iran relations is marked by direct conflict, including a naval blockade by the US and a fragile ceasefire, as tensions remain high with threats of renewed military action should Iran not comply with demands regarding the Strait of Hormuz.