Israel has launched a new phase of its assault on Iran, targeting checkpoints manned by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) based on tip-offs from informants on the ground, a source briefed on Israel’s military strategy told Reuters. The targeting of checkpoints secured by IRGC personnel suggests an intensification of Israel’s efforts to weaken Iran’s elite forces as it carries out joint aerial bombardment with the United States. Israel says its war objectives include destroying Iran’s military and nuclear capabilities but also “creating the conditions” for Iranians to overthrow their government, though Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has said this is an uncertain prospect.
