Exclusive: Prior to Iran attacks, CIA assessed Khamenei could be replaced by hardline IRGC elements if killed, sources s
Source: Reuters
February 28, 202 610:58 AM EST Updated 4 hours ago
WASHINGTON, Feb 28 (Reuters) - In the run-up to the U.S. and Israeli attacks on Saturday, the U.S. Central Intelligence Agency assessed that even if Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was killed in the operation, he could be replaced by hardline figures from the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), two sources briefed on the intelligence said.
The agency's assessments, which were produced over the past two weeks, looked broadly at what could occur in Iran following a U.S. intervention and the extent to which a military operation could trigger regime change in the Islamic Republic -- now a pronounced objective for Washington.
IRGC figures taking power was among the multiple different scenarios that emerged, a third source familiar with the matter said. The IRGC is an elite military force whose purpose is to protect Shi'ite Muslim clerical rule in Iran.
The intelligence agency reports did not conclude any scenario with certainty, said the sources, who spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss intelligence matters.
Read more: https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/prior-iran-attacks-cia-assessed-khamenei-would-be-replaced-by-hardline-irgc-2026-02-28/
Aussie105
(7,784 posts)US and Israel doing a bully flex and picking on a declared 'enemy'.
IbogaProject
(5,770 posts)Both Trump and Netanyahu will benefit from a war even if there are retalitory strikes.
LiberalArkie
(19,610 posts)highplainsdem
(61,310 posts)It's been such a difficult day for keeping track of news.
Figarosmom
(11,253 posts)That was to take over if Khomeini is killed was killed also.