US Intelligence Says Overthrowing Iran’s Leadership Is Nearly Impossible

Despite U.S. President Donald Trump declaring his intention to completely change Iran’s leadership structure, American intelligence agencies believe removing the country’s current ruling system would be extremely difficult.

According to a classified report by the National Intelligence Council cited by The Washington Post, even a large-scale military operation would be unlikely to topple Tehran’s current government. The report, completed about a week before the start of U.S. and Israel’s military operations, stated that Iran has already established strong and effective protocols to maintain its governing system, even if top leaders are assassinated.

U.S. intelligence officials also believe that Iran’s internal opposition groups are currently fragmented, making it unrealistic for them to seize power or organize a major uprising in the near future.

Meanwhile, President Trump has reportedly suggested that any future selection of Iran’s next supreme leader should receive his personal approval. Referring to past political arrangements such as the case involving Delcy Rodríguez in Venezuela, Trump said he would not accept Mojtaba Khamenei—the son of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei—as a successor.

Trump stated that he wants to see a leader in Iran who would change the country’s current policies and maintain peace and stability. Otherwise, he warned, the United States could be forced to enter another war within five years.

However, Iran’s Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf firmly rejected Trump’s remarks. In a message on social media, he said Iran’s future will be determined solely by its proud people, and that no foreign power has the right to interfere in the country’s internal affairs.