The war was meant to weaken Iran. Nearly four months after the war began, it may have done the opposite. Instead of regime change or nuclear rollback, analysts say Tehran has emerged more militarised, more risk-tolerant and still firmly in control of its strategic programme, according to The New York Times.

The key question is whether the United States and Israel have achieved their stated objectives in Iran — including regime change, dismantling its nuclear programme and curbing its regional influence.

The outcome is increasingly disputed, with Iran appearing to have survived the conflict in a more hardened form, without major strategic concessions but having adapted under sustained pressure.

Has there been regime change in Iran?

Yes — but not in the way Washington or Israel expected.

Iran’s leadership structure has shifted significantly after the killing of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in the early phase of the war, according to the report. A younger, more hardline and security-driven leadership has emerged, with the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) playing a far stronger role in governance.

Iran is now led by “a younger, more brazen generation in power,” said Sanam Vakil, director of the Middle East and North Africa programme at Chatham House.

Aaron David Miller, a former US diplomat at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, described the change as “a transition from divine power to hard power.”

Analysts cited in the report describe the system as “Islamic Republic 3.0” — a structure that is “less a theocracy and more a military junta dominated by the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps.”

Has Iran been weakened militarily or strategically?

Not decisively.

While Iran has absorbed sustained military strikes and economic pressure, it has retained key elements of its nuclear infrastructure and technical knowledge.

US–Iran talks: Can a deal secure Gulf interests this time?

The report notes Iran still holds the capability to move toward nuclear “threshold status” — meaning it could develop a weapon if it chooses, without necessarily building one.

Regionally, Iran continues to exercise influence through allied groups including Hezbollah, Hamas and Al Houthi militants.

What has changed inside Iran after the war?

Analysts say the most important shift is internal consolidation of power.

The IRGC is now seen as the dominant force in decision-making across security, foreign policy and parts of governance.

Iran’s external behaviour has also shifted. The New York Times reports that, for the first time in this phase of the conflict, Iran directly launched attacks against Israel rather than relying solely on proxy groups — a sign of increased risk tolerance.

As one analyst quoted in the report said, this reflects a shift from caution under earlier leadership to a more assertive posture under the current structure.

Has Iran become more aggressive externally?

Yes, according to the analysis.

Iran is also linking different theatres — including Lebanon and the Strait of Hormuz — to its negotiating position with the United States.

Danny Citrinowicz, a retired Israeli military intelligence officer specialising in Iran, said Tehran’s leverage remains central to its deterrence strategy.

He warned that Iran’s control over the Strait of Hormuz gives it a “card to prevent Israel and the United States from attacking again.”

He added: “A war meant to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons may have instead pushed it past a point of no return.”

What is Iran seeking in negotiations?

Iran is pushing for a limited nuclear understanding rather than full dismantlement.

According to the report, a possible framework includes temporary suspension of enrichment, export or dilution of part of its enriched uranium stockpile, and retention of nuclear infrastructure and knowledge.

Iran is also seeking sanctions relief and access to frozen assets, reportedly around $12 billion upfront with a second tranche linked to compliance.

Does Iran still have leverage?

Yes — significantly.

Analysts say Iran retains two key bargaining tools: Its nuclear know-how and enrichment capability, and its ability to disrupt shipping through the Strait of Hormuz.

The New York Times notes Iran’s economy is “in tatters” and could face renewed internal pressure once the war ends. However, analysts say Tehran believes Washington is under greater urgency to secure a deal and has therefore resisted major concessions.

Sanam Vakil said Iran’s long-term goals include deterring future attacks, dividing Gulf Arab positions, weakening Arab-Israeli alignment, and reducing US military presence in the region.

“The risk,” she said, “is that Iran will overplay its hand and miscalculate, as it has in the past.”

What is the biggest risk going forward?

Miscalculation.

Even if an early agreement is reached, analysts say deeper disputes are unlikely to be resolved, with nuclear negotiations likely to remain partial and incomplete.

“So we’re likely to be in a limbo state for a long time, which is to Iran’s advantage,” said Suzanne Maloney, an Iran specialist at the Brookings Institution.

She described the emerging situation as “no war, no peace,” adding that it keeps pressure on Washington while sustaining Iran’s leverage over energy markets and the Strait of Hormuz.

“The risk,” she warned, “is that Iran will overplay its hand and miscalculate, as it has in the past.”

GN

A Yemeni adventurer known to thousands of social media followers as the “Spider-Man of Yemen” has died after falling into a volcanic crater while attempting a rope-free climb, authorities said.

Al Qa’qa’ bin Antar, 30, was scaling the steep walls of the Haradhat Damt volcanic crater in Al Dhale province last Friday when he lost his grip and fell, according to local officials and media reports. The crater is estimated to be around 120 metres deep.

Bin Antar had built a large online following through videos documenting his daring ascents of cliffs, mountains and volcanic formations across Yemen, often climbing without ropes, harnesses or other protective equipment. His exploits earned him widespread recognition and the nickname “Spider-Man of Yemen”.

Civil Defence teams recovered his body on Saturday following a complex rescue operation that lasted nearly 24 hours. Rescue crews reportedly faced difficult conditions, including steep terrain, limited access to the site and hazardous conditions inside the crater.

Local media said specialist rescue teams, supported by lighting and water-recovery equipment, were deployed to reach the remote location.

The climber, also known as Antar Al Absi, had become one of Yemen’s most recognisable adventure content creators, attracting viewers with footage of high-risk climbs and explorations of some of the country’s most rugged landscapes. In some videos, he could be seen scaling near-vertical rock faces and descending into volcanic formations without safety gear.

His death prompted an outpouring of tributes on social media, where followers praised his courage and passion for adventure while expressing sorrow at the circumstances of his death.

Videos circulating online appear to show the final moments before the fall, although authorities have not publicly commented on the footage.

GN

Lewis Hamilton and Kim Kardashian’s growing relationship is back in the spotlight, and this time the focus is not only on the couple’s public displays of affection but also on the Formula One star’s developing bond with Kardashian’s four children.

Lewis Hamilton’s Bond With Kim Kardashian’s Children In The Spotlight After Monaco Grand Prix

The seven-time world champion recently sparked excitement among fans during the Monaco Grand Prix when he blew a kiss toward Kardashian after securing a second-place finish for Ferrari. Kardashian, who was watching from the paddock, was seen smiling and filming the moment on her phone as Hamilton celebrated on the podium.

While the romantic gesture quickly gained traction online, insiders say the relationship has become more serious away from the cameras, particularly because Hamilton has already spent time getting to know Kardashian’s children.

Has Lewis Hamilton Met Kim Kardashian’s Children?

According to reports, Hamilton recently joined Kardashian and her four children – North, Saint, Chicago and Psalm – on a trip to Tokyo, a move that signalled a new stage in the couple’s relationship. Sources close to Kardashian said the reality star is typically cautious about introducing new partners to her children and only does so when she feels a high level of trust and confidence in the relationship.

That trust appears to be growing. People familiar with the situation say Kardashian has been pleased with the way Hamilton interacts with her children, viewing the British racing icon as a positive influence in their lives. The fact that the children have already spent time with him has fueled speculation that the relationship is becoming increasingly serious.

Kim Kardashian’s net worth is approximately $1.9 billion (£1.4 billion), while Lewis Hamilton’s net worth is estimated between $300 million (£225 million) and $450 million (£338 million). 

Lewis Hamilton and Kim Kardashian’s growing relationship is back in the spotlight, and this time the focus is not only on the couple’s public displays of affection but also on the Formula One star’s developing bond with Kardashian’s four children.

Lewis Hamilton’s Bond With Kim Kardashian’s Children In The Spotlight After Monaco Grand Prix

The seven-time world champion recently sparked excitement among fans during the Monaco Grand Prix when he blew a kiss toward Kardashian after securing a second-place finish for Ferrari. Kardashian, who was watching from the paddock, was seen smiling and filming the moment on her phone as Hamilton celebrated on the podium.

Lewis Hamilton blowing a kiss to his girlfriend, Kim Kardashian, from the podium in Monaco 🫶🫶 pic.twitter.com/Vvtf62Ip8e

— Abby baby 🦋🇧🇷🇦🇷🇪🇸 (@_babygirlabby) June 8, 2026

While the romantic gesture quickly gained traction online, insiders say the relationship has become more serious away from the cameras, particularly because Hamilton has already spent time getting to know Kardashian’s children.

Has Lewis Hamilton Met Kim Kardashian’s Children?

According to reports, Hamilton recently joined Kardashian and her four children – North, Saint, Chicago and Psalm – on a trip to Tokyo, a move that signalled a new stage in the couple’s relationship. Sources close to Kardashian said the reality star is typically cautious about introducing new partners to her children and only does so when she feels a high level of trust and confidence in the relationship.

That trust appears to be growing. People familiar with the situation say Kardashian has been pleased with the way Hamilton interacts with her children, viewing the British racing icon as a positive influence in their lives. The fact that the children have already spent time with him has fueled speculation that the relationship is becoming increasingly serious.

A post shared by instagram

Hamilton, who has largely kept his personal life private throughout his Formula One career, recently broke his silence about Kardashian while speaking after the Monaco Grand Prix. The Ferrari driver described it as ‘amazing’ to have her support during the race weekend and praised the people around him for helping him stay focused throughout the season.

Monaco Appearance And A New Phase Of Public Attention

The Monaco race marked Kardashian’s first appearance at a Formula One event since romance rumours began circulating earlier this year. The couple first sparked dating speculation in February after being spotted together in Paris before later making their relationship public through social media posts and joint appearances.

Kardashian’s presence at Monaco attracted attention from fans and media alike. She was photographed throughout the weekend in the Ferrari garage and paddock area, supporting Hamilton as he battled for a podium finish. The race ended with Hamilton taking second place, giving Ferrari another strong result during the 2026 season.

However, many observers believe the most notable development is not the couple’s public appearances but Hamilton’s growing connection with Kardashian’s family. For Kardashian, who shares her children with former husband Kanye West, introducing a partner to her children has historically been a significant milestone.

With Hamilton already spending time with the youngsters and earning Kardashian’s trust, fans are increasingly wondering whether the relationship could become one of the more serious romances either star has experienced in recent years.

For now, neither Hamilton nor Kardashian has publicly discussed his relationship with the children. Still, the combination of family trips, public support at races and increasingly frequent appearances together suggests their relationship is continuing to move forward both on and off the track.

IBT