The political balance of power in the Middle East has dramatically shifted against Iran’s regime. Continuous blows to the regime’s proxy forces have created an unprecedented situation for the regime, one that it has never experienced before. These changes are happening at a time when the regime neither has the capacity to respond to these challenges nor can it afford to sit idly by. In both cases, the outcome spells defeat for the regime.

For more than three decades, the regime survived through its proxy forces, trying to expand its influence and operational reach. But now, these forces are constantly under pressure and are being damaged. This situation has created serious challenges for the regime, directly impacting on its internal stability and security. The regime is more aware than anyone of the simmering unrest at home, and in fact, all its recent provocations have been aimed at diverting attention away from Iran’s internal problems.

Democratic or even semi-democratic governments derive their survival and legitimacy from the votes of their citizens. These governments step aside after their term of power ends. They either exit the political stage or retreat into the........

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