Prior to the U.S. and Israeli attacks on Iran, the CIA assessed that even if Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei were killed, he could be replaced by hardline figures from the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).

Axar.az, citing an exclusive report by Reuters, informs that the intelligence review examined possible outcomes in Iran following a U.S. military operation, including the potential for regime change, though no scenario was predicted with certainty.

President Donald Trump had signaled support for regime change in Iran and, in a video address, called on the Iranian people to take over the government.

The U.S.-Israeli assault followed deliberations over several weeks, including efforts to strike a nuclear deal with Tehran, which ultimately did not succeed.

U.S. officials had briefed top congressional lawmakers on the likely operation, but Trump retained the ability to adjust plans.

The attacks mark a significant escalation in the region, highlighting U.S. and Israeli strategic concerns about Iran’s nuclear program and internal stability.

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