Former Israeli Intelligence Chief Warns Iran Conflict Will Continue Until Regime Falls
Former Israeli military intelligence chief Yossi Kuperwasser has issued a stark warning that the conflict with Iran will persist "for as long as it takes to topple the regime", as he outlined potential developments in the coming days. The remarks follow the reported killing of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in joint US-Israeli strikes, which US President Donald Trump announced on Saturday evening.
A Major Turning Point in the Region
Speaking to the Daily Mail from a bomb shelter in Tel Aviv, Kuperwasser described the reported death of Khamenei as a significant turning point. "This is a major development," he stated. "Khamenei was the most important decision maker in Iran for many years. He represented the stubbornness and the commitment of Iran to pursue its policy of supporting terror and spreading extreme radical Islam."
Kuperwasser suggested that the Ayatollah's removal could be viewed by some Iranians as "a step toward freedom", noting that celebrations have been reported within Iran. However, he highlighted the immediate power vacuum at the top of the regime, with no clear heir apparent, especially since other senior figures were also killed in the strikes.
Immediate Aftermath and Regional Strikes
Following the joint operations, explosions were reported across several Gulf states, including Bahrain, Qatar, Kuwait, and Abu Dhabi, after Iran vowed a "crushing" response. Several US bases were targeted, such as:
- Al Dhafra air base in the UAE
- Ali Al Salem in Kuwait
- Muwaffaq al Salti in Jordan
- Al Udeid air base in Doha
The Israeli military disclosed that approximately 200 fighter jets participated in what it termed the largest flyover in its history, striking Iranian missile and defence systems in western and central Iran. The operation, meticulously planned for months with Washington, occurred near Khamenei's offices.
Caution Against Swift Resolution Expectations
Kuperwasser cautioned against expectations of a rapid conclusion to the conflict. "This is only the first day. The Iranian regime is not going to fall in one day," he emphasized. "There is a feeling this could be over in maybe three days, but there is no guarantee. I believe it will take more time. We need to be patient and understand it will go on as long as it takes to create the conditions for the people of Iran to remove this regime from power."
He articulated that the US and Israel have united to dismantle threats posed by Iran, including terrorism, ballistic missiles, and the nuclear programme. The overarching goal is a more stable Middle East without terrorism and without Iranian interference across the region, with the hope that Iran might eventually play a positive role.
Complex Transition and Competing Influences
The military expert pointed to a range of groups that could compete for influence in the coming days, warning that any transition could be highly complex. These groups include:
- Regime insiders
- Students and opposition movements
- Supporters of exiled Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi
- Ethnic minorities like the Kurds and Balochs
"We all hope for a revolution," Kuperwasser said. "But nobody knows how it will unfold."
Risk of Further Escalation and Proxy Involvement
The risk of further escalation now hinges on whether Iran's proxies in the region join the fight. Kuperwasser highlighted the key question of whether Hezbollah and the Houthis will intervene. "The chances of the Houthis joining are quite high," he noted, "But with Hezbollah, it's more complicated, because they have to see how this affects their Lebanese identity. They don't want to bring disaster to Lebanon."
Simultaneously, Kuperwasser dismissed the likelihood of direct military intervention by global powers such as Russia or China. "They will try to promote a diplomatic solution that allows the regime to stay in power," he explained. "They may provide weapons, but not troops."
Western Security Concerns and Domestic Support
As the conflict escalates, the West is on high alert. FBI Director Kash Patel has revealed that the bureau's joint terrorism task forces are working round the clock to disrupt potential plots. Kuperwasser warned of the possibility of terrorist attacks in the West by Iran or Hezbollah, stating that "this is something the West must prepare to prevent". He also cautioned that Iranian dissidents abroad may be particularly at risk.
The escalation follows the collapse of nuclear negotiations between Washington and Tehran last week, with Kuperwasser remarking that "Iran's maximum flexibility was still far from meeting the minimum American demands" and that there was no way to "bridge the gap".
Inside Israel, he reported that public support for the operation remains strong despite the ongoing threat of missile attacks. "The atmosphere is completely positive," he said. "People are in shelters, but they understand this is the price they have to pay."
