In the shadow of the conflict between Iran and Israel, many Iranians are anxiously awaiting the outcome of the US presidential election.
In both confidential and recorded conversations, as seen most recently in a CNN report from Tehran two weeks ago, many Iranians have said they would prefer to see Republican candidate and former President Donald Trump return to the White House.
Those asked said they see him as a strong leader who would be able to tackle problems. A victory for Democratic candidate and current Vice President Kamala Harris, on the other hand, would mean a continuation of the status quo in US politics, in their view.
"Under the enormous pressure of a worsening economic crisis, many Iranians want fundamental change," Iranian political journalist Fariba Pajooh told DW. "Quite a few of them see Donald Trump as someone who could end the political system of the Islamic Republic in Iran."
"Trump's statements are perceived selectively not only in the US but also in Iran," Pajooh said. "Many Iranians believe he could topple the regime in Iran. Yet Trump repeatedly emphasizes that preventing an Iranian nuclear bomb is his top priority."
One month after Iran launched missile attacks on Israel, Israel counterattacked on October 25 and destroyed military targets in Iran, particularly missile production facilities, according to the Jerusalem Post.
The attacks were aimed at damaging Iran's air defenses and impairing the long-term development of ballistic missiles.
"It's impossible to predict what will happen next," Alex Vatanka, director of the Iran program at the........