Former head of MI6: Iran has the “upper hand” in the war | The Economist (Level 1)

The United States and Iran are in a big conflict. The US wants to keep the sea open for oil ships, but Iran is fighting back. Many people thought the US would win easily. However, Iran is very strong right now. For Iran, this is a fight for survival. Inside Iran, things are changing. The old religious leaders are losing power. Now, a military group called the IRGC is in control. Most regular people in Iran do not like this government. About 80 percent of the people want a new, free country. But the military has the weapons, so they stay in power. Right now, the war helps the Iranian government stay in control. They use the war as a reason to be strict with their citizens. However, in the future, the people might finally get the change they want.