Post-Khamenei era more radical and dangerous: IDF warns of "existential threat" from IRGC-led Iran

JERUSALEM: The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) has warned that the new government in power following the death of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei is significantly more radical and dangerous than its predecessor. In a briefing to the Israeli parliament, the IDF cautioned that the current leadership is now firmly controlled by hard-line ideologues within the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), posing an existential threat to the country.

These revelations emerge as the ongoing conflict—now exceeding forty days—has triggered a crisis in global oil prices. The assessment that regional stability has deteriorated, even following strikes on Iranian soil, has left both Israel and the United States facing a strategic crisis.

Meanwhile, peace talks are scheduled to begin in Pakistan this Saturday as part of a two-week ceasefire agreement. A U.S. delegation led by Vice President J.D. Vance, Special Representative Steve Witkoff, and Jared Kushner will participate. Iran will be represented by a delegation headed by Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf. Additionally, separate ceasefire talks between Lebanon and Israel are set to take place in Washington next week.