Six months after a US-Israeli war against Iran began on February 28, the source says Iran’s governing system remains intact despite extensive air strikes and heavy military damage. The report says Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and several senior officials were killed in the joint operation, while his son and successor, Seyyed Mojtaba Khamenei, was seriously injured. Washington has now shifted from military action to intensified economic pressure.

US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent announced “Operation Economic Outcast” on Monday, saying it aims to isolate Iran further and collapse its already damaged economy. Analysts cited in the report question whether additional sanctions can force Tehran to surrender, change behavior or face government collapse, particularly as Iran is already under thousands of sanctions. They also say Washington’s ultimate objective remains unclear.

The conflict is currently described as stalled, with neither side directly attacking the other and blockades around the Strait of Hormuz relatively eased, allowing some oil supplies to move. Iran and Oman are continuing talks over the strait, but Tehran remains unwilling to relinquish control. Experts warn that deepening economic pressure could instead increase risks of renewed military escalation.