Reuters: Israel sees no certainty Iran regime will fall

According to Reuters, Israeli officials privately acknowledge that war with Iran may not automatically lead to the fall of the regime. Although joint US–Israeli bombing killed Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and several commanders, there have been no signs of a wider uprising so far.

According to Israeli sources cited by Reuters, Washington is not yet close to deciding to end the conflict, despite optimistic statements by President Donald Trump.

Israel had originally suggested that the war could encourage Iranian minorities to rise up against the government in Tehran. However, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu now says that any regime change is in the hands of the Iranians themselves.

Analysts also say that weakening Iran’s military is a more realistic goal than a rapid collapse of the regime.

No protests have yet broken out in Iran. Residents face bombing, and security forces are threatening harsh crackdowns on any demonstrations. Despite dissatisfaction with the regime, local sources say patriotic sentiment and resistance to foreign intervention are growing.

(reuters, pir)