As the U.S. weighs Reza Pahlavi as a figure for transition, Israeli officials warn missing the chance to topple the ayatollahs could force repeated conflict
Senior security officials in Jerusalem argue that an unprecedented opportunity exists to replace Iran’s ayatollah regime, and urge United States President Donald Trump to act decisively to seize the moment.
According to them, Israel missed a rare chance to eliminate the Iranian leadership, headed by Ali Khamenei and his son Mojtaba, who is designated to succeed him, during the 12-day “Rising Lion” operation against Iran in June 2025. Israel had the intelligence and operational capability to do so; therefore, this historic opportunity must not be missed again, they say.
“Operation Rising Lion” was a major tactical success, but if the Iranian leadership is not replaced during the current crisis, the strategic existential threat to Israel will continue to loom. Iran is determined to renew its nuclear project and to increase the production of ballistic missiles to destroy Israel.