Mojtaba Khamenei, Iran’s late Supreme Leader survived Operation “Roaring Lion” with physical injuries and is now seeking revenge for his father’s death while increasingly making decisions on his own, according to an Israeli Military Intelligence assessment.

According to a report cited by Walla, Khamenei has surrounded himself with hardline commanders from the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, including senior figures who served during the Iran-Iraq War. Israeli officials believe the direction he is taking could ultimately push the Iranian regime toward collapse.

The pressure on the regime is intensifying amid a severe economic crisis and growing difficulties for ordinary Iranians trying to purchase basic food products. Israeli security officials believe the mounting public frustration could fuel renewed unrest against the government, though they warn that the anger could also be redirected toward Israel and the United States.

Security officials are also closely watching Iran’s younger generation, many of whom have access to satellite internet and advanced artificial intelligence tools, creating additional concerns over their ability to target Israeli infrastructure.

Ahead of Operations “Rising Lion” and “Roaring Lion,” Israeli and American officials were presented with assessments indicating that between 75% and 80% of Iran’s population opposes the regime. Iran’s powerful bazaar merchants, traditionally viewed as a key measure of public sentiment, also led demonstrations that drew participation from both poorer and wealthier sectors of society.

Israel and the United States are now seeking to take advantage of those internal pressures and use various tools to accelerate the weakening of the regime. According to the assessment, a collapse could occur within one to three years even without a military coup by an Iranian general.

Continued pressure, however, is expected to depend on strict enforcement of U.S. sanctions, halting Chinese purchases of Iranian oil on the black market, and preventing continued outside support for Iran’s banking system.

At the same time, Gulf states are reportedly increasingly concerned that Washington could reach understandings with Tehran or withdraw unilaterally from the Middle East, potentially leaving them alone to confront the Iranian threat.

(YWN Israel Desk—Jerusalem)