Former Israeli Ambassador to the United States Danny Ayalon stated that Iran’s leadership is in disarray amid escalating conflicts with Israel and internal regime turmoil.
Ayalon described Iranian officials as “relying on propaganda and psychological tactics” while grappling with significant internal challenges. He compared the regime’s approach to that of Saddam Hussein’s foreign minister in 2003, calling them “masters and manipulators of what we call psychological warfare.”
The former ambassador highlighted Iran’s recent internet shutdown for its citizens, noting the contradiction when Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi appears on U.S. Sunday political programs. He questioned: “It is very right to ask him how come he has an open Wi-Fi or Zoom and the others in his country do not?”
Ayalon condemned Iranian security forces, including the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps and Basij militia, for a pattern of repression spanning 47 years. He stated that military operations by Israel and the United States are necessary to target the regime without harming civilians.
Regarding Iran’s leadership succession, Ayalon suggested that Supreme Leader Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei—son of the slain Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei—lacks real authority. “He’s just a puppethead,” Ayalon said, adding that Khamenei has not appeared publicly and statements attributed to him are delivered by others.
The former ambassador also identified hardline factions within Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps as the current de facto rulers: “Basically, the ones that are now running the country are the IRGC.” He warned of imminent instability: “In a few days, we’ll see that no one is in control there.”
