Israel aims to break ‘foundations of Khamenei's rule’ – Reuters

Israel's military campaign against Iran targets more than nuclear and missile infrastructure and aims to weaken Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei’s rule to the point of collapse, a Reuters analysis said.

The article cited Israeli, Western and regional officials as saying that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is seeking lasting concessions from Iran on enrichment, missiles, and regional militancy.

Israeli strikes have expanded to state institutions and top security officials, while US President Donald Trump weighs military involvement but remains open to talks.

Still, the collapse of the Islamic Republic establishment remains unlikely without a ground invasion or uprising, according to the officials.

Persian Gulf and Western powers fear that forced regime change could unleash chaos across the region, the report added.

"Iran isn't just facing Israel," said Alex Vatanka, director of the Washington-based Iran Program at the Middle East Institute. "It’s facing off the United States and European powers."