NYT: Iran’s leadership became more risk-tolerant after conflict

NYT: Iran’s leadership became more risk-tolerant after conflict A report published by The New York Times argues that the military campaign waged by the United States and Israel against Iran failed to achieve its stated strategic objectives and instead produced a more resilient and hardline Iranian state.

According to the publication, the war was intended to weaken the Iranian government or encourage internal political change while also curbing Tehran’s nuclear ambitions.

Instead, the report says, Iran’s political system remained intact and underwent a restructuring that increased the influence of the military establishment, particularly the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.

The report suggests that the conflict has created a new political and security environment in which Tehran is more willing to take risks and better prepared to withstand external pressure than before the war.

Activists carry portraits of slain Iranian leader Ali Khamenei during Shaheed-e-Ummat conference in Lahore, Pakistan, 13 June 2026 (Arif Ali/AFP)