Israel has intensified its military actions against Iran, including the high-profile assassination of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, as part of a broader strategy perceived by many as aiming for the collapse of Iran's regime. Eylar Gisel, a professor of Middle Eastern studies at Tel Aviv University, clarifies that while many in Israel desire a regime change in Iran, the immediate goals are focused on degrading Iran's military capabilities, a task that appears to be yielding some results so far.

Additionally, the situation is complicated by the involvement of Hezbollah, which has become a significant threat to Israel, and ongoing retaliatory actions taken against Israel from Iran’s proxies in the Gulf region. The conflict remains dynamic, and experts suggest that continued engagement may hinge on unfolding circumstances in the region, particularly with respect to global oil prices which could exacerbate the situation further.

Gisel posits that Israel's operational approach may pivot depending on the outcome of U.S. political developments, especially regarding Trump's foreign policies. The possibility of further regime change initiatives is discussed, but immediate military objectives seem to dominate Israel's strategic planning, leaving a number of geopolitical questions unanswered as the fighting continues.