March 01, 2026

Iran vs U.S.: Iran Vows Ferocious Retaliation After Khamenei Killed

By: Daniel Silverberg

Daniel Silverberg, Center for a New American Security adjunct senior fellow and former foreign policy advisor to the House Democratic Leadership and foreign policy analyst, discussed the aftermath of the reported assassination of Iran's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and the potential for prolonged US military involvement. He said, 'There has almost been no precedent of regime change being successful from the air,' expressing concern about the disconnect between President Trump's goals and the means to achieve them. Silverberg noted the lack of unity in Washington, with Democratic and some Republican members of Congress criticizing the action as 'a war of choice' that violated the War Powers Resolution. He suggested Trump is trying to 'set the table for the Iranians to find a new leader' and is unlikely to send ground troops unless conditions are safe. Silverberg indicated that Trump's response would be 'calibrated based on what the Iranians do,' particularly following recent missile strikes on Israel.

Watch the full interview on India Today.

More from CNAS

View All Reports View All Articles & Multimedia