TLDRA classified U.S. intelligence report suggests that even a large-scale military campaign by the United States would likely not result in the ousting of Iran's entrenched military and clerical establishment. The report, completed just before the U.S.-Israel initiated a war on Iran, outlines scenarios where Iran's institutions would respond to the killing of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei by following protocols designed to preserve continuity of power. The intelligence community's assessment raises doubts about President Trump's plan to 'clean out' Iran's leadership and install a ruler of his choosing.

Source: Washington Post March 08, 2026 04:00 UTC