The Digester

A February U.S. intelligence assessment found that neither targeted airstrikes nor a larger military campaign were likely to result in a new government in Iran, a conclusion at odds with administration optimism about quick outcomes.

A National Intelligence Council assessment in February concluded limited strikes or a prolonged campaign were unlikely to produce regime change in Iran.
The report said no unified opposition was ready to take power and Iran's establishment would move to preserve continuity if leaders were killed.
The finding challenges administration claims that military objectives in Iran could be achieved quickly.
U.S. and allied strikes have nevertheless killed many Iranian leaders and President Trump has said he favors regime change.
Iran's clerics selected Mojtaba Khamenei as supreme leader, signaling continuity and a hardline leadership response.

U.S. intelligence found military strikes unlikely to topple Iran's government

Sources