US intelligence: Iranian regime still holds power

According to Reuters sources, US intelligence services do not yet see the Iranian regime on the brink of collapse, even though the US and Israel have continued their extensive attacks for almost two weeks.

The latest assessments reportedly indicate that the power core in Tehran remains functional and that the security apparatus still maintains control over the population. This remains the case despite the death of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, after which temporary leaders took over and clerics reportedly appointed Mojtaba Khamenei as the new supreme leader.

At the same time, it appears that the fall of the regime would not be realistic without a ground operation or a mass internal uprising.

Reuters also reports that although Iranian Kurdish militias in Iraq say they are ready to intervene, US intelligence assesses their capabilities more cautiously. According to available data, they lack the fighters and weapons required for a prolonged and effective conflict with Iranian forces.

(reuters, pir)