New York Times: '12-Day War' Strengthened Khamenei

According to the New York Times, while Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's position is uncertain, the regime in Iran appears to have been strengthened by the recent conflict. The report states that Ali Khamenei seems to have rallied the citizens.

Before the Israeli attacks on June 13, social unrest was expected in Iran due to the economic crisis and infrastructure problems. However, the war seems to have caused the opposite effect, with some Iranians tolerating more restrictions, such as stricter internet censorship.

The government has launched a crackdown on 'spies,' which, according to human rights organizations, includes dissidents or minorities. The calls by Donald Trump and Benjamin Netanyahu for Iranians to revolt were not heeded.

The New York Times report also notes the rise of nationalism in Iran at the behest of Ali Khamenei. Despite losses and damages, the country's leaders see an opportunity in the outrage over the attacks, hoping to strengthen patriotic unity.

It is not the first time that Iranian leaders have turned to nationalism in times of crisis, but the scale of the current effort is unprecedented, according to experts.