After the first wave of strikes, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu addressed the Iranian people, denouncing “the Islamic regime, which has oppressed you for nearly 50 years,” and explaining that Israel is “clearing the path for you” to overthrow it. Iran hawks in Israel and the U.S. have advocated regime change for years — including when diplomacy had checked Iran’s nuclear program — claiming the government is fragile and would fall apart if pushed. Perhaps the biggest risk is Iran-allied militias, the disparate groups that make up what they call the “Axis of Resistance.” Hezbollah may be severely weakened, but the Houthis in Yemen appear in solid shape, able to fire on Red Sea shipping and occasionally into Israel.
Author: Nicholas Grossman
Published at: 2025-06-16 22:29:15
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