Published:07:48 EST, 7 March 2026|Updated:11:18 EST, 7 March 2026
A leaked classified report by the National Intelligence Council has shed an unfavorable light onDonald Trump's decision to strikeIran, warning that military involvement could be disastrous.
In just one week, tensions have dramatically risen in the region, starting with a joint military operation conducted by the US andIsraelagainst Iran.
The strikes took out Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, asIran retaliated by targeting US military basesin the Gulf Cooperation Council.
Trump has stood firm on the military attack, but a report completed by the NIC just a week before raised doubts about the US's ability to overthrow the regime.
The NIC is a federal government agency that reports to the Director of National Intelligence. NIC members bridge 18 intelligence agencies with policymakers to provide analytical assessments.
Three people familiar with the findings told theWashington Postthat Iran would likely respond to Khamenei's death by following protocols to preserve the regime. Sources said it was 'unlikely' that Iran's opposition would seize control.
Khamenei's successor has yet to be named. Iran's Assembly of Experts and high-ranking members of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps have been tasked with naming his replacement.
The ayatollah's son, Mojtaba Khamenei, is rumored to be assuming the role, but Trump has previously called him 'incompetent' and a 'lightweight.'
A classified intelligence report has concluded that it is unlikely the US will initiate regime change. The report was reportedly dated just a week before the military operation began. Pictured above is a suburb of Beirut after Israeli strikes
Source: Drudge Report
