US and Israel’s strategy to kill Iran’s top figures may prove counterproductive

The Guardian - World NewsCenter-LeftEN 4 min read 100% complete by Peter Beaumont Senior international correspondentMarch 18, 2026 at 07:27 PM

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long article 4 min

The US and Israel are pursuing a strategy of assassinating high-ranking Iranian officials, aiming for regime change or weakening the government. Israel has authorized its military to kill senior Iranian figures on its list. However, experts question the effectiveness of this "decapitation strategy," suggesting it may strengthen the regime by promoting unknown, potentially more radical individuals. Some analysts believe the attacks could rejuvenate the Iranian government, which was previously facing internal pressure. The strategy may also breed resistance rather than fostering democratic change. Historically, Israel's assassinations of leaders in groups like Hamas and Hezbollah have not achieved lasting success.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

Chatham House 40% Hassan Nasrallah 40% Hezbollah ×250% Hamas ×250% Benjamin Netanyahu 50% Esmail Khatib 60% Ali Khamenei 60% Ali Larijani 60% Sanam Vakil ×260% United States ×370% Israel ×790% Iran ×690%

Keywords

decapitation strategy 90% israel 80% iran 80% assassination 70% us 60% regime change 60% targeted attacks 50% iranian regime 50% political and security apparatus 40%