Ali Khamenei began to weaponise the full potential of Iran just before the recent assassination of the late Supreme Leader by the State of Israel. He was alleged to be in hiding as the strike that ended his life, and his term of rule, was launched by the Jewish nation in return for retaliatory efforts via Hamas.
But even in UN circles, Khamenei was being described as an increasingly negative influence. It’s believed a highly placed official called his behaviour “reckless” and of a “disproportionate manner”. The mood regarding the Iranian leader had changed from hopeful to woeful in just a few years.
Behind the scenes, Khamenei was trying to work out who Iran’s enemies are. He obviously settled on Israel. He didn’t know if attacks were coming from Africa. He suspected Asia. The former had become a source of constant geopolitical criticism for his people.
“Is there anything else that we’re known for?” he once said, humorously, after a particularly difficult meeting with some African leaders. He grew tired of speaking to geopolitical agitators, also suspecting interference. He engaged them on his terms, knowing that Iran was strong enough to handle such ‘world tours’ in its own way.