U.S. intelligence indicates Iran’s leadership remains largely intact and is not at risk of collapse despite nearly two weeks of intensive U.S. and Israeli strikes that began with the killing of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei on February 28, according to Reuters, citing three sources familiar with the matter.
A “multitude” of reports show the regime retains control over the public and that the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps and interim leaders continue to exert authority within the country.
Israeli officials have acknowledged there is no certainty the campaign will topple Tehran’s clerical government without a ground offensive, Reuters said.
The report noted finding an acceptable end to the conflict could be difficult as political pressure mounts in the U.S. amid rising oil costs.
President Donald Trump has suggested the operation may end soon, while the Assembly of Experts declared Mojtaba Khamenei the new supreme leader. Kurdish militias based in Iraq have consulted with the U.S. on possible attacks inside Iran but are assessed as lacking the firepower to challenge Iranian forces. (NewsWire)
