US Intelligence: Strikes on Iran Did Not Split Elites but Strengthened IRGC's Power

According to assessment reports by American intelligence services, despite strikes by Israel and the United States on Iran, the leadership in Tehran is transforming into a "harder-line structure."

This was reported by The Washington Post, citing informed sources.

According to available information, U.S. intelligence assessments indicate that the ongoing attacks by Washington and Tel Aviv on the Islamic Republic since February 28 have not led to any noticeable split or shift in positions within the country's power structure.

Sources claim that the strikes on Iran have weakened it militarily; however, this situation has created the conditions not for disintegration within the leadership, but rather for the consolidation of power under the control of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), leading to the formation of a "harder-line and more rigid governance model."

According to sources, Tehran's pressure on strategic waterways is affecting global oil markets. They also assert that the Islamic Republic is using its available unmanned aerial vehicles and limited missile stockpiles to establish control over shipping in the Strait of Hormuz.

Sources also note that U.S. allied countries in the region are expressing dissatisfaction with Washington over the prolongation of the conflict and the risk of becoming a direct target of Iranian retaliatory strikes. In their view, the civilian infrastructure of regional countries is under serious threat.