US Intelligence Says Iranian Government Not at Risk of Collapse
US intelligence assessments, as reported by Reuters citing three aware sources, indicate that Iran's government is not currently at risk of collapse despite nearly two weeks of intense US and Israeli attacks. The leadership structure remains largely intact and has maintained control, with the latest report completed in recent days.
Iran's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei was killed on the first day of attacks on February 28, but the clerical leadership has stayed cohesive. The Assembly of Experts has named Mojtaba Khamenei, son of the former leader, as the new leader. Dozens of high-ranking officials and IRGC commanders have been killed, along with strikes on air defenses, nuclear facilities and senior government figures. However, the IRGC and interim leaders continue to hold control.
An unnamed senior Israeli official stated there is no guarantee the ongoing war will lead to the collapse of Iran's clerical government, though the situation inside Iran remains fluid.
Reuters reported, citing two aware sources, that 150 US soldiers have been wounded in the 10-day war. Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell confirmed approximately 140 wounded, with eight seriously injured and most lightly; 108 have returned to duty. General Dan Caine, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, said the fight has not been harder than expected. Iranian retaliatory attacks on US bases, diplomatic missions in Gulf Arab countries, hotels, airports and oil infrastructure have sharply decreased.
President Donald Trump told Fox News he might be open to talks with Iran depending on conditions and expressed surprise at Iran's rocket and drone attacks on Gulf states. In a Reuters interview, Trump said the US wants a role in selecting Iran's next leader and opposes Mojtaba Khamenei, while urging Iranian Kurds to act against the government and pledging support without specifying air assistance.
US public support for the war is limited amid concerns over rising oil prices and economic impacts.
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