this post was submitted on 09 Mar 2026
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A U.S. intelligence assessment completed shortly before the United States and Israel launched a war in Iran had determined that American military intervention was not likely to lead to regime change in the Islamic Republic, according to two people familiar with the finding.

The National Intelligence Council’s assessment in February concluded that neither limited airstrikes nor a larger, prolonged military campaign would be likely to result in a new government taking over in Iran, even if the current leadership was killed, according to the two people, who spoke on condition of anonymity to describe the classified report.

The determination undercuts the administration’s assertion that it can complete its objectives in Iran relatively quickly, perhaps in a matter of weeks. The administration has asserted that it was not seeking regime change in Iran, even as the strikes have taken out many figures in the Iranian leadership and President Donald Trump considers whom he would like to see lead the country.

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[–] ultranaut@lemmy.world 30 points 2 days ago (3 children)

It is kind of funny that Iran already replaced Khomeini with another Khomeini. Except this one is extra shitty, and now also extra pissed off too.

[–] sepi@piefed.social 27 points 2 days ago* (last edited 2 days ago) (2 children)

Khamenei. Khomeini was another dude, replaced by Khamenei. Then Khamenei was killed and was replaced by Khamenei Jr.

[–] grue@lemmy.world 3 points 2 days ago (3 children)

Are all those actually different names, and not just varying latin alphabet transliterations of the same farsi word?

[–] 3abas@lemmy.world 11 points 2 days ago

Yes, the first one was a different family, unrelated to the second and third, who are father and son.

[–] frongt@lemmy.zip 4 points 2 days ago (1 children)

Ruhollah Khomeini روح‌الله خمینی

Ali Khamenei علي خامنه‌اى

So it's not just a difference in transliteration. I don't know any Arabic language or script at all, so I don't know how different those are. (Also, remember that these should be read right-to-left.)

[–] balsoft@lemmy.ml 3 points 2 days ago (1 children)

I don't know the language at all but I can "read" the script, and they are quite different. The first one is like "Khomenee", the second is like "Khaamenae'i"

[–] frongt@lemmy.zip 2 points 2 days ago (1 children)

Do you think they're variations on the same name?

[–] balsoft@lemmy.ml 3 points 2 days ago

No idea :) I'm not familiar enough with the Iranian/Persian culture to even make a guess.

[–] sepi@piefed.social -3 points 2 days ago (1 children)

Tell me you are american without telling me you're american. Plot twist: I am american too.

[–] grue@lemmy.world 2 points 2 days ago* (last edited 2 days ago) (1 children)

You think I'm American because -- checks notes -- I care about getting names and relationships right and understand that there isn't necessarily a 1:1 relationship between what a name actually is in its native language and what it looks like written in English?

I am American, but I don't understand why you apparently think that's a common characteristic of us or why you want to give me an angry backhanded compliment about it.

[–] sepi@piefed.social 1 points 1 day ago

No. It's cos not knowing about other countries, their politicians or their names. People abroad know many american politicians, but americans know few, if any, foreign politicians.

And in your response, this is not something you even consider as being the thing that tells on you. Me, I became american the other day, so I've been doing the other thing.

[–] Steve@startrek.website 1 points 2 days ago (1 children)
[–] sepi@piefed.social -1 points 2 days ago

You never heard about last names? Or are you just Jimbob?

[–] Lushed_Lungfish@lemmy.ca 2 points 2 days ago

Also, I believe Ayatollah Zwehevidi and his cadre of fanatics are consolidating their power...

[–] GuyFawkes@sh.itjust.works 2 points 2 days ago

Only funny if their first and only target is Mar A Lago.

The whole goal is to destroy their military capabilities so Israel can do whatever they want unopposed.

[–] kboos1@lemmy.world 17 points 2 days ago (3 children)

Trump's code name should be Blunt Knife because he's about as useful as one.

[–] JoMiran@lemmy.ml 11 points 2 days ago

We call people like that "bull tits".

"That boy's about as useful as tits on a bull."

[–] D_C@sh.itjust.works 1 points 1 day ago

I suggest Cancerous Anal Fissure.

Why? Well a blunt knife can be useful for something. A screwdriver maybe, or spreading butter, or a way to practice juggling knives in a safe manner.
However no one wants a cancerous anal fissure. And it can't be used for anything productive.

[–] biofaust@lemmy.world 1 points 2 days ago (1 children)

The one you could use where I am from is "one hand clap"

Just as effective as clapping with one hand.

[–] xxce2AAb@feddit.dk 8 points 2 days ago

But of course Trump and his Merry Men knew better than the unmatched intelligence and military apparatus they have around to call upon.

[–] TachyonTele@piefed.social 4 points 2 days ago

Why do the press think they wanted regime change? It's iran. It's their dream just to blow the place up.

Man, that would really bum out Trump if he could read his briefings.

[–] JoMiran@lemmy.ml 3 points 2 days ago

I see that Trump & Co. are vibe warring again.

[–] zd9@lemmy.world 0 points 2 days ago

Krasnov trusts the GRU and the FSB over his own CIA and ODNI. Of course this doesn't matter.

[–] homes@piefed.world 0 points 2 days ago* (last edited 2 days ago) (1 children)

They changed leadership. It’s basically the same guy, just his son. The exact same flavor of religious crazy, just younger.

This analysis is useless

[–] TotallynotJessica@lemmy.blahaj.zone 11 points 2 days ago (2 children)

That's not what "change in leadership" means; it means different governments with different agendas coming into power. That will not happen as a result of this war.

[–] njm1314@lemmy.world 5 points 2 days ago (1 children)

That is however exactly what Donald Trump said leadership change in Venezuela meant.

[–] TotallynotJessica@lemmy.blahaj.zone 4 points 2 days ago (1 children)

Very different situations. Maduro was dictator of a relatively smaller nation that would not be the same without him there, while Iran is larger, more powerful, and has a leadership structure less dependent on one person. Even then, kidnapping Maduro does not mean his more pro US replacement is a reliable ally. She could be overthrown and is limited in how much she can help them.

[–] njm1314@lemmy.world 1 points 2 days ago (1 children)

You think Donald Trump is capable of any of this sort of nuance? Really?

[–] TotallynotJessica@lemmy.blahaj.zone 1 points 2 days ago (1 children)

He understands: Maduro weak, Iran not quite as weak. He just goes along with Israel's plans because he appreciates how they kill brown people. Maduro was deposed because Venezuela was an easy target to show strength against. It accomplished nothing for the US just like the current war, but Trump never gave a shit about US interests.

[–] njm1314@lemmy.world 1 points 2 days ago (1 children)

All the more reason for him to declare regime change accomplished and victory then no? To say regime change is the guy at the top only, as he did before.

Nah, he doesn't need to claim regime change because he can honestly declare victory far easier. Unlike most other efforts in the middle east, they actually are trying to accomplish something achievable: decimating Iran's military to set them back several years and limit their danger in the near future. It's not worth the cost and accomplishes little in the long run, but it is far more realistic than nation building or anything similar the US has tried.