US General’s Assessment on Iranian Regime
A retired U.S. general, Mark Schwartz, recently expressed skepticism about the ability of either Israel or the U.S. to fully replace Iran’s regime. Speaking with the Israeli Hayom newspaper, he commented that the ongoing joint operations, known as “Operation Epic Fury” and “Operation Roaring Lion,” have now entered their 20th day.
He stated, “In my professional view, neither Israel nor the United States will completely succeed in uprooting the Iranian regime. Even if the Supreme Ayatollah is removed, there are numerous other Iranian religious leaders ready to fill that void.” Schwartz noted the resilience of Iran’s internal structures, saying, “No matter how many successors you eliminate, another will emerge. Iran has a robust intelligence network, as well as established military forces, which allows them to recover leadership positions even if the higher-ups are taken out.”
Insights on Iran’s Leadership
Sources indicate that the new Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, is viewed as “dysfunctional” and lacks effective control over power. Schwartz, having served for three decades in the U.S. Army as a Green Beret, currently chairs an advisory board dedicated to special forces. His extensive experience spans the Middle East, Europe, and North Africa, working with various international organizations.
Meanwhile, Tulsi Gabbard, the Director of National Intelligence, raised concerns regarding the long-term consequences if the Iranian regime withstands these military efforts. She indicated that such an outcome would likely lead to Iran aiming to rebuild its military capabilities, including missile and drone forces. Moreover, she highlighted how the ongoing operations appear to be influencing significant shifts in the region—a situation that began with the Hamas attack on Israel in October 2023 and continued through recent conflicts, which seem to have depleted Iran’s power and that of its proxies.
The conflict’s ramifications have also led to the death of former Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, with his son taking the reins as the new leader. The evolving landscape presents complex challenges for both regional and international stakeholders.
