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Charai in The National Interest: How the US Can Sustain Deterrence After Khamenei

The Atlantic Council essay by Ahmed Charai examines how the United States can preserve a credible deterrence posture in the Middle East after the eventual death of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei. Charai argues that Washington must blend conventional force, cyber capabilities, and diplomatic outreach to prevent a power vacuum that Tehran could exploit. He highlights the importance of regional alliances, especially with Gulf states, and suggests a calibrated escalation‑de‑escalation framework. The piece also warns that missteps could trigger broader conflict, undermining U.S. credibility across the region.