The Hamas attack on southern Israel on October 7, 2023, resulted in the deaths of 1,200 Israelis, predominantly civilians, and the taking of 250 hostages. This incident significantly altered the geopolitical dynamics in the Middle East, albeit not as anticipated by Hamas or their Iranian allies. After 14 months of conflict, Israel has solidified its position as the dominant regional power, while Iran faces unprecedented challenges. The Iranian regime is reportedly under severe strain, fearing potential Israeli or Israeli-American strikes on its critical infrastructure, including oil and nuclear facilities. Reports indicate widespread power outages in Tehran, shuttered factories, and the crushing impact of international economic sanctions, further compounded by uncertainty surrounding the intentions of the incoming Trump administration. More here…