According to Professor Anthony Glees, a defense expert and former special adviser to the Foreign Office, Iran is at risk of descending into a 'forever war,' with the potential to result in the deaths of hundreds of thousands of people. He highlighted that the Iranian rulers seem willing to inflict severe violence on their own citizens to maintain their hold on power. The situation is precarious, and the current conflict seems unlikely to end unless there is a significant change in leadership or policy, particularly regarding U.S. involvement led by former President Trump.

Glees remarked that the overthrow of the Ayatollah could happen quickly, as observed in historical contexts, but there is currently no strong opposition leader positioned to take control in the aftermath. This lack of a viable alternative to the ruling regime raises concerns about the stability of Iran and the likelihood of continued violence. The dynamics suggest that the Iranian Revolutionary Guards could employ extreme measures to suppress dissent, further complicating the political landscape.

The warning comes at a time when tensions in the region are heightened, with potential implications for neighboring countries. The prospect of a prolonged conflict could draw in various international interests and lead to significant humanitarian issues, emphasizing the dire need for diplomatic resolution rather than military escalation.