The unexpected death of Iranian Major-General Qassem Soleimani, the head of the elite Quds Force, should be viewed as a severe blow to Iran’s leadership, particularly its military apparatuses.

The Islamic Republic is tilting toward Asian countries in an unprecedented fashion. In the last few months, Iranian officials have increased their high-level talks and visits to Japan, China, India and South Korea.

Iran is facing an increasingly dire financial situation amid a shrinking economy and hard-hitting US sanctions. The regime is desperate for cash to fund its military adventurism in the region, support its militia groups and proxies, and run its institutions inside the country.

The Iranian President Hassan Rouhani recently claimed victory and said that the protests have been defeated after a wave of demonstrations swept the country due to the hike in fuel prices last week.

Iran has become the scene of widespread protests and demonstrations, having first erupted in Ahvaz and spread to many other cities including the capital Tehran.