US Intelligence: Iran's 'Weakened' Government Expected to Endure Amid Gulf Outrage, Escalating Expenditures
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US Intel: Iran's Weakened Regime Likely to Persist Amid Gulf Fury, Rising Costs
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News18•17-03-2026, 03:58
US Intel: Iran's Weakened Regime Likely to Persist Amid Gulf Fury, Rising Costs
•US intelligence assesses Iran's clerical regime will likely remain in power, weakened but more hardline, with the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) gaining control.
•US-Israeli airstrikes degraded Iran's military, killed Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and top leaders, but at a cost of $12 billion and 13 US troops.
•The conflict has led to the virtual closure of the Strait of Hormuz, causing historic oil disruption and prices rising above $100 per barrel.
•Western officials see little near-term prospect of regime change in Iran, with a "rump IRGC regime" expected to retain some capabilities post-war.
•US Gulf allies are furious, feeling abandoned and facing economic costs, while Iran uses the Strait of Hormuz leverage to force de-escalation.
