The most recent series of airstrikes by the Israeli military dealt a severe blow to the country’s cruel internal security system, creating an opportunity for a possible uprising.
During the attacks, Israel “dropped dozens of munitions on the Basij and internal security command centers under the control of the Iranian terror regime,” the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) stated in a press release on Wednesday. “The targeted command centers were utilized by the Iranian regime to maintain control across Iran and conduct the regime’s situation assessments.”
Since the start of [the operation], the U.S. has struck nearly 2,000 targets while carrying out a comprehensive military campaign aimed at dismantling the regime’s security apparatus and neutralizing threats. Adm. Brad Cooper of U.S. Central Command confirmed the number of targets hit in a video message.
The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and the Basij militia, Iran’s volunteer paramilitary force, were responsible for the violent suppression of protesters in January. The bloody crackdown involved regime forces firing at crowds and making mass arrests of [people]. Some regarded the protests as a sign that regime change in Iran was approaching, although it did not happen.
Israeli and U.S. officials have suggested the possibility of regime change in Iran as both countries target Tehran’s military and security facilities.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said in a video message announcing the launch of Operation Epic Fury, which Israel calls Operation Rising Lion, that it was time for Iranians “to free themselves from the shackles of tyranny.” Similarly, President [name] said in a message to the Iranian people on Feb. 28 that “the hour of your freedom is near.”
“When we’re done, take over your government. It will be yours to claim. This will likely be your only chance for generations,” Trump said.
“America is supporting you with overwhelming might and devastating force. Now is the time to take control of your destiny and unleash the prosperous and glorious future that is within your grasp. This is the moment to act. Don’t let it slip by,” the president added.
Ali Vaez, director of the Iran project at the International Crisis Group, told [media] that the path to regime change through foreign airstrikes and a popular uprising on the ground is “a bet without a clear historical precedent.” Vaez also cautioned that the idea “overlooks the resilience of established authoritarian systems like the Islamic Republic.”
The IDF reported on Monday that Israel had targeted headquarters, bases, and regional command centers belonging to the regime’s internal security apparatus.
“These entities were responsible, among other things, for suppressing protests against the regime through violent means and civilian arrests,” the IDF said.
It’s unclear who will lead Iran after Supreme Leader Ayatollah [name] was killed on the first day of the operation. Since then, Israel and the U.S. have made it clear that regime leaders selected to replace him would be targets. Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz warned on Wednesday that anyone chosen to succeed Khamenei would be considered “a target for elimination” if they continued to threaten Israel, the U.S., and regional allies.
The killing of key leaders may not be sufficient to trigger an uprising, as the regime has a monopoly on weapons in most of Iran, the WSJ reported, noting that Basij militants are still patrolling the streets.
Digital’s Morgan Phillips and Efrat Lachter contributed to this report.