Israel Strikes Go Beyond Nuclear Sites, Target Khamenei’s Power Base
The Israeli air campaign against Iran has reportedly expanded beyond traditional military targets, now focusing on critical institutions that underpin Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei’s rule, according to regional intelligence sources. This strategic shift includes cyberattacks, precision drone strikes, and covert operations aimed at undermining Iran’s internal control structure, with recent reports highlighting strikes on state police facilities, national broadcasting stations, and ideological centers tied to regime authority.
Officials suggest this new phase of operations reflects Israel’s growing emphasis on eroding the Iranian regime’s political cohesion rather than simply neutralizing nuclear or ballistic threats. By targeting the symbols and levers of domestic power, Israel appears to be applying multidimensional pressure intended to destabilize the government’s internal narrative and weaken public perception of control.
Security analysts warn that while the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) remains operationally strong and maintains professional military discipline, the attacks on symbolic and civilian state infrastructure could begin to expose cracks within Iran’s political framework. These assaults, analysts argue, may stir public discontent or encourage elite fragmentation, especially if seen as highlighting the regime’s vulnerability.
The broader strategic impact of Israel’s evolving campaign is now being closely monitored by Gulf states, many of whom are concerned about the consequences of a sudden power vacuum in Tehran. Regional powers such as Saudi Arabia and the UAE are reportedly assessing security contingencies in the event of political destabilization within Iran, which could provoke unpredictable ripple effects across the Middle East.
At the same time, Western diplomats are urging restraint, advocating for a credible diplomatic pathway to avoid triggering a full-blown regime collapse that could lead to widespread instability, uncontrolled nuclear proliferation, or civil unrest inside Iran. The EU and United States continue to emphasize the need for measured escalation and the pursuit of structured dialogue, despite deteriorating conditions on the ground.
As tensions rise, Israel’s multi-domain strategy targeting Iran’s political and ideological core underscores a significant escalation in regional conflict. The unfolding scenario raises critical questions about the future of governance in Iran and the risk of unintended consequences if military pressure eclipses diplomatic engagement.
