missiles struck non-military sites in Dubai

The prospect of further regional escalation now hangs over the crisis.

From the point of view of Iran’s leaders, if the conflict widens and its militant groups allies across the Middle East join the fight, Tehran could gain some leverage to press for a ceasefire or at least avoid a total surrender on terms dictated by the US and Israel.

From another perspective, sustained military pressure, combined with renewed large-scale protests, could push the Islamic Republic toward systemic breakdown.