WASHINGTON: Within the run-up to the United States and Israeli attacks on Saturday (Feb 28), the US Central Intelligence Company (CIA) assessed that if Iran’s Supreme Chief Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was killed within the operation, he may very well be changed by hardline figures from the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), two sources briefed on the intelligence stated.
Khamenei was reportedly killed in strikes on Saturday by the US and Israel.
CIA’s assessments, which had been produced over the previous two weeks, regarded broadly at what might happen in Iran following a US intervention and the extent to which a army operation might set off regime change within the Islamic Republic – now a pronounced goal for Washington.
IRGC figures taking energy was among the many a number of completely different eventualities that emerged, a 3rd supply aware of the matter stated.
The IRGC is an elite army power whose goal is to guard Shi’ite Muslim clerical rule in Iran.
The intelligence company studies didn’t conclude any situation with certainty, stated the sources, who spoke on situation of anonymity to debate intelligence issues.
The CIA declined to remark.
President Donald Trump has for weeks signalled that the US was fascinated with seeing regime change in Iran, however has not given any particulars on Washington’s pondering on who could lead on the nation.
In an early morning video handle on Saturday, Trump described Tehran as a “terrorist regime” and inspired the Iranian folks to take over the federal government, saying the US army strikes would set the stage for an rebellion.
