【The Iranian Individual the U.S. Now Most Wants to Target with Precision Strikes】 The U.S. government is assessing strategies to strike high-ranking Iranian officials, with Revolutionary Guard Commander Ahmad Vahidi—known for opposing negotiations with the U.S.—ranking first on the list. The goal is to empower figures like Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, thereby paving the way for potential peace agreements.
These options are currently under active review, following directives from Trump.
The hope is that eliminating individuals like Vahidi—just as the U.S. previously targeted his predecessors Sarami and Pakpour—will force Iran to accept America’s negotiation terms. But this reflects a profound misreading of Iran.
Why?
Because the issue isn’t tactical—it lies in ideology.
No matter how “rational” or “victorious” in strategic terms the assassination of Vahidi might be, it won’t alter Iran’s core thinking, calculations, or objectives.
Real change in Iran will come only from systemic transformation—not from eliminating individual figures, no matter how senior they may be. This has become clearer than ever since the killing of Khamenei on February 28.
Targeted killings are relatively feasible and easier to execute, making them tempting for the U.S. But they cannot be equated with the goal of regime change.
Even Khamenei himself doesn’t fully represent the Iranian regime—let alone anyone else.
There remains a vast gap between weakening an adversary through force and inducing a shift in Iran’s anti-American ideology and behavior.
The former can be achieved through military force and decapitation strikes.
The latter is far more elusive—and could even backfire by reinforcing Iran’s resistance mindset in response to the killing of any prominent figure. This is already being proven.
Original article: toutiao.com/article/1863305901103178/
Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are solely those of the author.