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The Independent UK
The Independent UK
World
Sam Metz

Israel is rapidly killing Iran’s top leaders. Experts warn that could backfire

Iranians set fire to flags of the United States and Israel as they gather to commemorate those killed from the Dena naval vessel, at Enghelab Square on March 17, 2026 in Tehran, Iran - (Getty Images)

Israel's strategy of eliminating senior Iranian leaders through airstrikes, aimed at toppling the Islamic Republic, is facing scrutiny. Past experience suggests such tactics have inherent limits and can, at times, backfire.

Previous operations, including the killing of Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah, did not stop the group from firing rockets. Similarly, taking out Hamas’s top brass has not disarmed the group, which still controls half of Gaza.

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