Global NewsThere could be big risks if the U.S. shores down its military offensive in Iran too early, one expert told ‘The West Block’ this week. After the joint U.S.-Israel military operations killed Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei one week ago — opening a window for the population to “take back their country” — Michael Pregent told The West Block’s Jackson Proskow that U.S. President Donald Trump needs to give Iranians the time and space to decide if they are actually ready for a regime change, before taking next steps. Pregent spent decades as an intelligence officer — from serving as a foreign fighter analyst for CENTCOM to working against Iranian influence in Iraq.
Though he commended “spot on” intelligence for the success of U.S. operations so far, Pregent noted it will get become trickier to topple the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) as members start blending in and operating in civilian clothes. While Trump says he wants to be involved in deciding who takes control of Iran post-war, Pregent says it’s important the Republican leader hear who the struggling Iranian population would like in power if a regime change becomes a reality.
