Operation Lion's Roar aims to topple Islamic Republic, Israeli officials confirm

2026-03-01 - 17:18

Senior Israeli officials have confirmed the ultimate goal of Operation Roaring Lion is toppling the Iranian regime. They stressed there is no certainty the objective will be achieved, as the success of the move depends heavily on the Iranian people and internal dynamics within the country. President Donald Trump talking with White House chief of staff Susie Wiles as Secretary of State Marco Rubio listens at Mar-a-Lago in Palm Beach, Fla., during Operation Epic Fury on Saturday, Feb. 28, 2026 / Daniel Torok/The White House via AP / Daniel Torok/The White House via AP Daniel Torok/The White House via AP The officials noted that even if the Islamic Republic remains intact, dealing a harsh blow to its missile and weapons infrastructure is a vital objective for Israeli security. An Israeli official said, "There was an operational necessity to take action now because of what they built over the past six months, driven by their irrational belief that Israel must be destroyed." The official added that Iran's conduct was with an "extent of armament that no responsible country can allow its enemy to build," and emphasized, "Therefore, even if the regime does not fall – there is supreme justification for the operation."