WhatsappThe Ayatollah Ali Khameini is purging the top brass of the Iranian Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) out of fears that it has become compromised and there are active spies within it working with Israel.
A senior general in the IRGC was arrested on suspicion of spying for Israel. After a series of top level assassinations, Brigadier General Majid Khademi replaced Hossein Taeb. Taeb was so high up he enjoyed a close relationship with Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khameini.
Although Iran arrested or fired a number of IRGC top officials, the damage in the near term has been done. Beyond the assassinations, the infiltration into the Ayatollah’s inner circle has sowed distrust in the Iranian leadership circles. This breakdown in unity in the Iranian regime has huge implications going forward.
With Israel threatening to take a proactive military stance against Iran, the regime in Tehran needs internal cohesiveness. Then again, just like Iran, Israel has its own set of problems – mainly an inexperienced leader, worried about more appearances than actually decision making.
Assassinating nuclear scientists may have an effect on Iranian morale, but the nuclear program continues to move forward – nearly unhindered. Barring a “palace coup” Israel will have no choice but to attack Iran’s nuclear program. Its only then that we will see if Israel’s strategy of sabotage from within Iran’ leadership circle was the right way to go.
