Chinese experts assess military decapitation in Iran, Venezuela for lessons closer to home

South China Morning PostCenter-RightEN 2 min read 100% complete by Alcott Wei,Seong Hyeon ChoiMarch 18, 2026 at 02:37 PM

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Chinese experts are analyzing recent US and Israeli decapitation strikes in Iran and Venezuela to draw lessons applicable to potential military operations closer to home, specifically regarding Taiwan. Since February 28, 2026, the US and Israel have eliminated several high-ranking Iranian officials, including the supreme leader and military commanders, through targeted strikes. Despite these losses, Iran has retaliated with drone and missile attacks, demonstrating resilience unlike Venezuela's response to a similar US operation. Experts believe Iran's power structure and geographic conditions contribute to its ability to withstand leadership decapitation. One analyst suggests Beijing would view a decapitation strike on Taiwan as part of a larger amphibious landing operation, and that the US would likely need ground forces to achieve regime change in Iran, a factor Beijing would consider for any Taiwan operation.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

Donald Trump 50% Abdolrahim Mousavi 60% Mohammad Pakpour 60% Taiwan ×260% Venezuela ×260% Aziz Nasirzadeh 60% Ayatollah Ali Khamenei 70% China 70% Ali Larijani ×370% Israel ×480% United States ×680% Iran ×790%

Keywords

military decapitation 100% iran 90% us 80% israel 70% venezuela 70% retaliatory attacks 60% taiwan 60% power vacuum 50% regime change 50% military resilience 40%