THE Iran–US–Israel conflict has entered its third week, with both sides continuing military strikes. Despite sustained attacks by the United States and Israel, Iran has retaliated and maintained its posture of resistance. Even after the reported killing of key leaders, including its Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Hosseini Khamenei , the country appears resolute in defending its sovereignty.
Rather than collapsing under pressure, many Iranians have rallied in support of the state, projecting unity in the face of external aggression. This response contrasts with expectations in Washington and Tel Aviv that internal divisions might deepen. Instead, public expressions of resistance and defiance have become more visible, reinforcing a national narrative of endurance.
A common assumption in warfare is that eliminating top leadership can paralyse a nation. However, Iran’s response suggests otherwise. Public demonstrations, solidarity marches, and strong rhetoric against the United States and Israel indicate that the conflict has, in some ways, strengthened nationalist sentiment. For many, the losses of war appear to have deepened resolve rather than diminished it.
On 28 February, the first day of the war, the United States and Israel killed Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei, while he was in his office during the holy month of Ramadan. Instead of seeking refuge in a bunker, the 86-year-old leader remained at his workplace, continuing his routine duties in service of the nation.
For four decades, he has been shaping the country through revolutionary and visionary leadership. As the enemy’s prime target, his service to the nation carries immense symbolic force, and in moments of war, symbols matter greatly. Khamenei’s decision not to seek safety in a bunker sends a stark image of resistance. Death, in this case, does not signify defeat but martyrdom—a continuation of life.
Following the assassination of the Supreme Leader, Iran’s response has extended beyond its borders, with strikes reportedly targeting US-linked assets in multiple countries in the region. The United States President Donald Trump admitted this when he said: “In the last two weeks, they [Iran] were not supposed to go after all these other countries in the Middle East. Those missiles were set to go after them. So, they hit Qatar, Saudi Arabia, UAE, Bahrain, Kuwait. Nobody expected that. We were shocked. And the other one, you know, they fought back. They could have yielded.”
Historically, US interventions in countries like Iraq and Libya resulted in regime change following the removal of key leaders. Iran, however, presents a different case. Its political system, shaped by the 1979 Islamic Revolution, combines institutional structures with ideological foundations that emphasise resistance and self-reliance.
The country’s wartime outlook is also influenced by religious and historical narratives, particularly within Shia Islam. The memory of Karbala and the martyrdom of Imam Hussain continue to suggest the ideas of sacrifice, justice, and resistance. For many Iranians, these principles serve as a moral framework during times of conflict.
In this context, the concept of martyrdom carries significant weight. It is often viewed not as a loss, but as a form of moral victory and testimony to faith and justice. Religious references, including Quranic verses, are frequently invoked to reinforce this perspective, blending spiritual and political dimensions of resistance.
This framing extends beyond any single leader to Iran’s broader leadership structure. The death of senior figures have been strengthening, rather than weakening, the system. The emphasis remains on continuity, resilience, and the willingness to endure prolonged conflict.
In sum, Iran’s response to the ongoing war underscores a narrative of resistance rooted in both political strategy and ideological conviction. Despite sustained attacks and significant losses, the country has not shown signs of capitulation. Whether this resilience can be maintained over time remains to be seen, but for now, the message from Tehran is clear: it does not intend to yield.
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Azmat Ali is a student at Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi. Views expressed here are author’s personal. He can be contacted at rascov205@gmail.com and @azmata90_lle (Instagram ID)
