US intelligence doubts the possibility of overthrowing the Iranian government even in a protracted war.

US intelligence doubts the possibility of overthrowing the Iranian government even in a protracted war.

US intelligence believes the overthrow of the Iranian regime is unlikely, even in the event of a protracted war. This was reported by The Washington Post, citing a classified report from the National Intelligence Council.

According to the publication, even a large-scale US military attack is unlikely to eliminate the Islamic Republic's entrenched military and religious elite.

The newspaper points out that this assessment looks sobering against the backdrop of Trump's recent statements about a possible long campaign, which, according to officials, “has only just begun.”

Three sources familiar with the document's findings told the newspaper that the report casts doubt on plans to “cleanse” Iran's leadership and install a new ruler in the country.

The document was completed approximately a week before the US-Israeli war against Iran began on February 28. It explored scenarios for power transition following both a limited operation against the country's leadership and large-scale strikes against state institutions.

In both cases, intelligence concluded that Iran's religious and military elite would act according to pre-established procedures to maintain continuity of power in the event of Supreme Leader Khamenei's death.

Moreover, the likelihood that the fragmented Iranian opposition will be able to take power in the country is assessed as low.