I’m not familiar with any plots or plans by Iranian officials to invade other countries or topple other regimes. The concept is more likely to be in the mouths of terror groups than the notes of planers and strategists in Tehran.
Mojtaba Khamenei inherited a dictatorial control that’s a stratagem of leadership in a power that hides its strength. There isn’t a hint of a natural proclivity to invasion in spite of public statements. Iranians perceive bombastic words as taunts or jest, or a sharp edged sense of humour. They are the focus of forces in the country.
The result of enterprising hours his predecessor gave to developing a set of capabilities rolled out progressively for the population, proving both popular and disconcerting in equal measure. While it pushed negative elements out of the mainstream of community, it did so by creating pariahs and wilderness threats.
Perversely, Iranian leaders have worse internal factions now than before. Forget the outside world, Iran is a hotbed of activity at very close quarters. This is the task now on Khamenei’s hands. He may choose to wish ill on America to settle scores and disabuse notions of revolt at home instead.
It’s often noted that Iraq has enmity with the Persian power, but it’s become a lot less of a petty place of late. Stakes are high because a towering figure is dead due to Israeli intervention, and America has come to stay again. Diplomacy, not invasion, is a strengthening ethic now it’s up in the air.