CIA studies who may replace Khamenei after strikes on Iran
Iran (Photo: Getty Images)
Ahead of the US and Israel strikes, American intelligence analyzed the possible consequences of the operation for Iran’s leadership, according to Reuters.
According to sources of the agency, the Central Intelligence Agency concluded that even in the event of the death of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, he could be replaced by hardline representatives of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.
Analytical materials prepared over the past two weeks examined the likely course of events after US intervention and whether a military operation could lead to regime change, a goal Washington has identified.
Sources clarified that among several scenarios, the possibility of structures of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps coming to power was considered.
At the same time, intelligence did not reach final conclusions in favor of any option. The Central Intelligence Agency declined to comment.
White House position
President Donald Trump has signaled in recent weeks that the US is interested in regime change in Iran, but has not revealed who could lead the country.
In a Saturday video address, he called Tehran a terrorist regime and urged Iranian citizens to take power into their own hands.
The US and Israel strikes were the result of prolonged discussions within the administration amid protests in Iran.
At the same time, efforts were made to reach a nuclear agreement, but talks in Geneva ended without a result.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio told lawmakers from the Gang of Eight that the operation could begin within hours, stressing that the final decision remains with the president.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stated that Tehran is ready to reduce tensions and resume negotiations with the US on the condition that the strikes stop. At the same time, he stressed that, in his opinion, Washington will have to bear responsibility for starting the war.
The US and Israel launched a large-scale air operation, carrying out a series of strikes on key targets in Iran. US President Donald Trump claims that the goal of the actions is to neutralize the nuclear threat, while Iranian authorities are preparing a devastating response to the attack.
