Elisa Catalano Ewers, a Senior Fellow for Middle East studies at the Council on Foreign Relations, outlines the Israeli leadership's strategy towards Iran, which is focused on a calculated plan to destabilize the Iranian regime by targeting its leadership and security structures. This approach seeks a protracted pressure campaign rather than an immediate regime collapse, leveraging the idea that such sustained pressure could generate internal strain and ultimately lead to a shift in Iran's political landscape.

Ewers critiques common external assumptions about the Iranian populace's ability to mobilize against their government under external bombardment, suggesting that these beliefs are misguided. She points out that recent actions, including the targeting of significant political figures such as Larijani, complicate relations and further exacerbate the risk of escalating tension. These tactical moves, although significant in the short term, may undermine diplomatic channels and limit the already narrow paths available for de-escalation in the region.

The implications of these strategies are profound, as they could inadvertently solidify the Iranian regime's control, driving it closer to its defensive posture while alienating potential partners for dialogue. As regional dynamics continue to evolve, Ewers emphasizes the necessity of a more nuanced understanding of the Iranian regime's resilience and the potential ramifications of Israel's chosen path.