Iran War: Despite U.S. strikes and Khamenei’s death, regime change still remains unlikely

by Donald Heflin, for The Conversation March 2, 2026March 2, 2026

A group of demonstrators in Tehran wave Iranian flags in support of the government on Feb. 28, 2026. (AP Photo/Vahid Salemi)

After the largest buildup of U.S. warships and aircraft in the Middle East in decades, American and Israeli military forces launched a massive assault on Iran on Feb. 28, 2026.

President Donald Trump has called the attacks “major combat operations” and has urged regime change in Tehran. Iranian media reported Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was killed in the strikes.

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