No signs of instability in Iran, despite Israeli efforts: Report

Despite Israeli officials urging the Iranian people to overthrow the Ayatollah's government amid its ongoing airstrikes in the country, Israeli officials see no signs of instability that could lead to the regime's demise, the Jerusalem Post reported Friday, citing "three Israeli officials."

Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu, and several senior members of his government, have urged the Iranian people to use the opportunity to overthrow the Islamic government, believing the populace is eager for regime change in light of longstanding protests over strict religious laws. But more than one week into the Israeli assault, there appears to be no sign of the public answering that call.

“There are currently no indications that the central government in Tehran is losing control — quite the opposite. The Iranian regime appears to be tightening its grip,” the Israeli officials told the Jerusalem Post.

Israeli forces, last week, began missile attacks on Iranian nuclear facilities and senior military officials, asserting the country was within days of developing a nuclear weapon for use against them. The merits of that assertion remain hotly contested and unverified, though President Donald Trump has expressed the belief that Tehran is "very close" to developing such a weapon.

Regime change advocates have long pointed to discontent within Iran and exiled Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi has attempted to capitalize on the moment by urging the people to overthrow the government, with the apparent aim of returning to the country in some capacity.

Iran Program at the Institute for National Security Studies (INSS) Director Dr. Raz Zimmt told the Post that he believed the Israeli attacks had backfired to some extent by presenting the Iranians with a more imminent threat against which to unify.

"There is a sense of national solidarity at the moment," he told the outlet. "When they see Israeli strikes causing casualties and destruction — even if the regime is unpopular — the immediate threat is seen as Israel."