Veteran investigative journalist Seymour Hersh has reported that a major U.S. bombing campaign targeting Iran could commence as early as this weekend, citing Israeli and American sources familiar with the operation.
According to Hersh’s latest Substack article, the operation has already received approval from the Trump administration and will focus on Iran’s critical military and nuclear infrastructure, including the fortified Fordow facility, where advanced uranium centrifuges are housed deep underground.
Hersh notes that the timing of the strikes is being calibrated to avoid disruptions to U.S. financial markets, with planners reportedly seeking to delay action until after markets close for the weekend.
Strategic Objective: Destabilization Beyond Nuclear Sites
Sources cited in the report suggest that the mission’s objectives extend beyond neutralizing Iran’s nuclear capabilities. Targeted strikes are said to include military bases, police stations, and administrative centers, with the aim of sparking internal dissent and destabilizing the Iranian government.
Hersh also reports unconfirmed intelligence suggesting that Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei may have temporarily left Tehran, adding to the growing atmosphere of uncertainty.
Disagreements Over Iran’s Future
There appear to be divisions between U.S. and Israeli planners over a post-strike political strategy. While some voices in Washington reportedly favor supporting a moderate religious leader as a transitional figure, Israeli officials are said to oppose any compromise, instead advocating for full political control via a regime loyal to Israeli and Western interests.
The report also highlights intelligence efforts focusing on Iran’s ethnic minority populations, particularly Azeris, some of whom are alleged to have links with Western intelligence agencies, including the CIA.
Historical Parallels and Potential Fallout
Hersh draws comparisons between the current planning and past interventions in Libya and Syria, warning that the same pattern of external pressure leading to national fragmentation and prolonged instability could emerge in Iran. He characterizes the motivations as driven by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s strategic objectives and former President Donald Trump’s desire for a major geopolitical victory.
