Counterterrorism expert Dževad Galijašević told SRNA that the liquidation of Iran’s supreme leader Ali Khamenei has symbolic significance, as he is regarded as the guardian of the identity of fanatical Islamism. He added that the conflict could be prolonged, given that successors within the country’s political and military leadership had previously been designated.
“Khamenei was the guardian of the idea of an Islamic system and the victory of the Islamic Revolution. In formal terms, he controlled the entire state system. However, due to his age, it is difficult to argue that his operational importance matched his symbolic one,” Galijašević said.
He pointed to what he described as strong tactical preparation by the United States and Israel, noting that, according to his assessment, the initial strikes eliminated Iran’s entire military and political leadership.
“Iranian services did a poor job. We all knew war was inevitable—when such forces are concentrated, an attack can be expected. American and Israeli forces were deployed. What many Muslims in Sarajevo and around the world do not like to hear is that other countries with Muslim-majority populations were also involved in preparing this scenario,” Galijašević said.
He believes Iran was also prepared for confrontation, citing military strikes on U.S. bases and Israel.
“We can already see Shirazi acting like an ayatollah who has issued a fatwa declaring jihad. This will not end in a day. Iran is armed and has powerful partners,” Galijašević said.
He assessed the situation as a recomposition of the Middle East and stressed the need to focus on one’s own interests.
“We must consider whom we can talk to and how to resolve our own problems. This war does not concern us directly, but we can further strengthen partnerships with policies and people from the administration of U.S. President Donald Trump. That should be kept in mind,” Galijašević said.
Iran had a clear role in the conflicts of the 1990s, sending fighters and weapons
Galijašević said the crisis cannot be viewed separately from national interests, given Iran’s role in the wars of the 1990s and the activities of its military and intelligence representatives.
“The role of Iran in the wars of the 1990s and the way its military formations operated cannot be forgotten. Around 3,000 of their soldiers and intelligence operatives were active in this area,” he said.
He recalled that Qasem Soleimani operated in the region and was killed in Iraq during the first Trump administration.
“They accepted weapons and military equipment that Iran shipped by sea to this region. They like to interfere in other people’s affairs,” Galijašević said.
Source: RTRS
