The guiding principle of “Velayat-e Faqih” — the religious-political doctrine placing ultimate authority in the hands of the Supreme Leader — is now under serious internal challenge. 

Once a symbol of unity and legitimacy, it is increasingly seen by Iranians as out of touch and a source of failure.

Public confidence in Supreme Leader Khamenei is waning. Security officials say a deep crisis of trust is taking hold, fueled by glaring discrepancies between Iran's claimed military strength and its actual performance. Israeli intelligence penetrations led to the assassinations of senior officials and nuclear scientists, while continued U.S. sanctions have worsened economic hardship.