As prospects of US strikes loom, can Iran's regime avert collapse?
The Iranian government engaged in a frenzy of diplomatic efforts to try to halt relentless Israeli strikes and thwart possible collapse amid reports suggesting possible US involvement in support of the Israeli campaign.
TEHRAN — Iran's establishment is increasingly facing the question of survival as Israeli strikes continue to weaken the country's defenses, its nuclear facilities, infrastructure and government buildings.
As the Israel-Iran war entered a fifth day, President Masoud Pezeshkian had already held a series of calls with leaders of Russia, Turkey, Lebanon and Qatar, among others, to discuss the crisis and pile pressure on Israel to halt the strikes.
In the latest call, he told the United Arab Emirates President Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan on Tuesday that Israel had committed "crimes" by targeting civilians and warned that if Israeli attacks continued, "the region will never ever see lasting peace and stability."
According to an official readout by Iranian state media, the UAE president said his country would "pray" for Iran, which drew criticism among pro-government Iranians, who had expected more practical support from the Emirati government.
