The Iranian regime is mostly intact and not at risk of collapse, according to a recent assessment by U.S. intelligence officials, a new report claimed.
Citing officials with knowledge of the assessments, Reuters noted that several different reports have arrived to the same conclusion. They believe that the regime is not in danger at the moment and forces still "retain control of the Iranian public."
Reports underscore that leadership has managed to stay united despite the killing of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei on the first day of the joint U.S.-Israel strikes on February 28.
In this context, the two countries might have differing end goals for the conflict. President Donald Trump said on Wednesday that the war in Iran will end "soon" because there is "practically nothing left to target."
Moreover, The Wall Street Journal detailed that told aides he wants to end the war on his terms and believes he can do so whenever he wants.
Speaking to Axios, Trump said on Wednesday that "any time I want it to end, it will end." The outlet, however, noted that despite the president's claims both U.S. and Israeli officials say there has been no internal directive on when the fighting might stop. In fact, they are preparing for at least two more weeks of strikes. In the meantime, Israel continues to track and kill Iranian officials and broadening the range of targets. The outlet noted that Israeli officials might want to continue the war to create conditions for regime change.
"Our aspiration is to enable the Iranian people to cast off the yoke of tyranny; ultimately, it is up to them," Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Tuesday. "There is no doubt that through the actions taken so far, we are breaking their bones and we are still active."
It is unclear whether hostilities would cease if Trump declares victory. Iran has vowed to continue the war, saying on Wednesday that it launched its "most intense operation since the beginning of the war." Tehran also attacked three ships near the Strait of Hormuz, a key waterway through which 20% of the world's oil passes through. The U.S. received intelligence claiming that Tehran began laying mines there, but so far the number is small. Trump noted that U.S. strikes destroyed 16 mine-laying boats, disrupting Iran's plans.
A military spokesperson said Iran won't less a "single liter of oil" pass through the waterway, claiming that prices will skyrocket to $200 per barrel. To counter that, the International Energy Agency is set to conduct the largest release of oil reserves in its history.
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