Within a minute of the start of Operation Epic Fury, Israeli officials confirmed that Iran’s supreme leader, Ali Khamenei, and his close associates had been killed, upending half a century of Iranian political history and highlighting US power on the global stage. Although the concept of “multipolarity” has gained ground, with the rise of China and the influence of regional powers, American military power remains dominant. President Donald Trump has demonstrated extraordinary resolve, eliminating two leaders on two continents in two months: Nicolás Maduro in Venezuela and Khamenei in Iran. Analysts note that few American presidents have wielded this level of direct power with such brazenness.
After Khamenei's death, Russian President Vladimir Putin expressed condolences and condemned the "cynical assassination," but in practice Moscow and Beijing cannot change the outcome of the attack. Analysts point out that Khamenei's elimination shows that the US and Israel have sophisticated operational and intelligence capabilities, which include long-range drones, artificial intelligence, and high-precision missiles. In Libya in 2011, the US had chosen to lead by inaction, allowing European allies to carry out the strikes, but the result was slow. In this case, Trump operated without broad international consultation, cooperating only with Israel, maximizing the surprise and effectiveness of the mission. Although the Iranian top leadership has been severely hit, the revolutionary system is designed to withstand such attacks. Analysts warn that it will take weeks to see how much Khamenei's loss has weakened the regime, and a peaceful transition seems less likely than a violent one. Regional and ethnic powers in Iran, such as Kurds, Arabs, Azeris, and Baluchis, remain potential destabilizing factors. China, which imports about 1.4 million barrels of oil per day from Iran, could feel a supply shock. Russia benefits from Iranian drone technology but has not provided strong guarantees for its advanced systems.
High oil prices could boost Russia’s war economy, while any standoff in Iran could destabilize U.S. gains. Operation Epic Fury demonstrated American military might and the precision of modern intelligence, but history warns against arrogance. U.S. influence in the Middle East remains strong, but ongoing regional challenges and the actions of Russia and China will test the durability of those gains. Whatever happens, American dominance and the ability to change the global order remain at the center of international politics, and the Middle East could face weeks and months of instability.
