Iran regime change not certain: Netanyahu

Darwin, 11 May: Netanyahu: Iran regime change not certain, despite war pressure

Benjamin Netanyahu has acknowledged that the fall of Iran’s ruling system is not guaranteed, even after years of military pressure, sanctions, and conflict involving regional and global powers.

In an interview with CBS’s “60 Minutes,” Netanyahu said he cannot predict whether Iran’s government will collapse. Responding to questions based on a The New York Times report, he denied claiming that a joint U.S.-Israel air campaign would necessarily bring down the Iranian state.

According to Netanyahu, such an outcome was never presented as certain. “We both agreed there was uncertainty and risk,” he said, referring to discussions involving former U.S. President Donald Trump.

‘Collapse is possible, but not guaranteed’

Netanyahu said the Iranian system may or may not fall, but if it does, it would likely lead to the collapse of Iran’s wider regional network, including groups such as Hezbollah, Hamas, and the Houthis, which he described as being sustained by Iran.

He compared the potential collapse of Iran’s system to bankruptcy: “It proceeds gradually and then suddenly it falls.”

Claims of internal weakening and uncertainty

Netanyahu’s remarks come amid continuing debate among analysts about Iran’s internal stability. Despite prolonged sanctions, external pressure, and internal unrest, Iran’s government has remained in place, prompting ongoing international analysis.

He also said he does not know when—or if—the Iranian leadership will fall, but insisted that such a scenario remains possible.

Comments on Iran’s leadership

In the interview, Netanyahu said he believes Iran’s leadership structure is still intact. He suggested that senior figures may be in hiding, but he has no confirmed information about their condition or location.

U.S. aid and strategic independence

Netanyahu also reiterated his long-term goal of reducing Israel’s dependence on U.S. military assistance within the next decade, a position he has expressed previously in interviews.

Domestic and global perception

Addressing declining public support for Israel in the United States, especially among younger generations, Netanyahu blamed social media campaigns and what he described as coordinated disinformation efforts.

He pointed to recent polling showing that a majority of Americans now hold unfavorable views of Israel and have limited trust in his leadership on global affairs.