Attacks in the Middle East, Israel: We are not aiming for regime change. Iran: We will teach them a historical lesson

2026-02-28 12:00:57Kosova&Bota SHKRUAR NGA REDAKSIA VOX

Attacks in the Middle East, Israel: We are not aiming for regime change. Iran:

Israeli military official says focus of operation is not 'regime change'

Israel's focus is not "a regime change operation," an Israeli military official said at a press conference on Saturday, emphasizing that the primary objective is military targets.

“However, individuals involved in directing attacks, inciting violence, or implementing plans to destroy Israel may be considered legitimate targets if they are part of the operational machinery of war,” the official told reporters.

“Leadership involvement in military aggression may place individuals within the scope of objectives, but the emphasis remains on military objectives,” he added.

The comments come after two Israeli sources familiar with the operation told CNN that the attacks targeted senior Iranian figures, including Iran's supreme leader, president and chief of the armed forces.

Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump has called for regime change, urging Iranians in a video message to "take over your government" when US operations end.

On the other hand, the Iranian Army said it would teach "a historical lesson" to Israel and the United States after the attacks on Iranian cities.

"As we have already stated, any base anywhere in the region that helps Israel will be a target of the holy Islamic Republic and our armed forces, and we will show no hesitation," said senior armed forces spokesman Brigadier General Abolfazl Shekarchi, according to state-affiliated Iranian media.


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