Friday World – January 6, 2026
In June 2025, the Middle East witnessed a historic turning point when Israel launched surprise airstrikes on Iran's nuclear facilities, military bases, and key personnel on June 13. Dubbed the "Twelve-Day War" (June 13–24, 2025), this direct confrontation between arch-rivals escalated rapidly, involving hundreds of missiles and drones.
The world expected Iran to crumble quickly under pressure from Israel and its allies, including the United States. Instead, Iran mounted a fierce defense, forcing a ceasefire and emerging with its regime intact, delivering what Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei called a "big slap" to America and Israel.
The War's Outbreak and Iran's Isolation Israel's "Operation Rising Lion" targeted Iran's nuclear sites (like Natanz and Fordow), missile facilities, and assassinated prominent figures. Iran retaliated with over 400 ballistic missiles and 1,000 drones aimed at Israel. Khamenei had long warned that Iran would fight alone—no support from Arab nations, China, or Russia.
The global perception was that Iran would fall in days, leading to regime collapse or partition, similar to Syria. Yet, Iran withstood the onslaught, inflicting damage and holding firm until a Trump-brokered ceasefire on June 24.
Iran's Bold Retaliation and the Shock to America** A pivotal moment came on June 23, when Iran launched missiles at the U.S. Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar—the largest American military installation in the region—in response to U.S. strikes on Iranian nuclear sites. Though Qatar's defenses intercepted most, the attack demonstrated Iran's willingness to strike U.S. assets directly. This unprecedented move sent shockwaves through Washington, highlighting the risks of escalation and prompting a swift de-escalation.
Post-War Repercussions and New Conspiracies** The war weakened Iran's nuclear program and air defenses but boosted its image of resilience. Regional Arab states began questioning the invincibility of U.S.-Israel dominance, eroding the fear that had long kept them aligned. Sensing vulnerability, Western intelligence agencies (CIA, Mossad, and others) allegedly ramped up efforts to destabilize Iran internally—exploiting economic woes like inflation and rial devaluation to fuel protests, aiming to topple the Islamic Republic and install a pro-Western government. The broader agenda included reshaping Islam to Western liking, spreading Islamophobia, and seizing Muslim resources.
Targeting Allies: The Venezuela Precedent When internal subversion failed, pressure shifted to Iran's allies. In early January 2026, the U.S. launched a bold operation capturing Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro—an Iranian partner—amid accusations of drug trafficking and ties to Iran. This "snatch and grab" was seen as a warning: if Iran resisted, its friends would face the same fate, aiming to isolate Tehran further.
Khamenei's Historic Speech: Turning the Tide** Amid escalating protests in late December 2025–January 2026—sparked by economic collapse, currency crash, and shortages—Khamenei delivered a key address on January 3, 2026. He acknowledged legitimate economic grievances ("The bazaaris were right") but distinguished between peaceful protesters and "rioters" incited by foreign enemies. He vowed Iran "will not yield" and warned that rioters "must be put in their place." This speech clarified the regime's stance: address complaints, crush subversion. It rallied loyalists, exposed foreign meddling, and prevented mass defection—delivering a resounding blow to adversaries.
Conclusion: A Triumph of Will This saga transcends mere military victory; it showcases Iran's unbreakable resolve. Alone, it faced superpowers, retaliated boldly, and navigated internal storms. The 12-Day War proved that determination can challenge empires. Today, Iran stands tall—unbowed, united, and spiritually fortified. A nation trusting its people never truly falls.
Sajjadali Nayani✍
Friday World – January 6, 2026
