EXCLUSIVE: 'The new Iranian regime is more extreme than its predecessor'

IDF officials told a closed Knesset briefing that Iran’s new leadership is “more extreme than its predecessor,” amid ongoing regional tensions and uncertainty over the durability of the ceasefire. The remarks, first reported Thursday by i24NEWS Knesset correspondent Amiel Yarchi, come as Israeli officials assess both the outcome of recent operations and the risk of renewed conflict.

According to the officials, Israel achieved “very impressive military achievements in the operation,” including strikes on missile systems and launch infrastructure. However, they warned that Iran is already working to rebuild its capabilities, stating that despite the damage inflicted, efforts to restore missile production are underway.

Boaz Bismuth, chairman of the Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee, said after the briefing that “there is a possibility that the campaign will resume in the coming days,” adding that “we are only at an interim.” His comments reflect ongoing concerns within Israel’s security establishment that the current pause in hostilities may not hold.

In Tehran, Iran’s Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei issued a written statement marking 40 days since the death of his predecessor, Ali Khamenei, and addressing the war. “Iran does not seek war, but it will not compromise its rights,” he said, while asserting that “despite the damage and blows inflicted by the enemy, our armed forces turned the war into a great victory.” He also warned regional actors, saying, “We tell Iran's southern neighbors that you are witnessing a miracle… be suspicious of the false promises of the devils.”

Separately, Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Saeed Khatibzadeh said on Thursday that Tehran had been on the verge of responding to a recent ceasefire violation but was held back following intervention by Pakistan. He added that the coming hours remain “very critical” for the region.

Israeli officials said the shift in Iran’s leadership structure, following the elimination of previous figures, has resulted in a system more heavily dominated by the Revolutionary Guards. According to the assessment presented in the Knesset, this leadership is viewed as more hardline and less responsive to political considerations, raising concerns about future escalation and the prospects for sustained de-escalation.