Ophir Falk, Netanyahu adviser: Israel is close to conditions for regime change in Iran

Ophir Falk, foreign policy adviser to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, said Israel is very close to creating the conditions for regime change in Iran and that these conditions are taking shape right now. He made the remarks in an interview with the Jerusalem Post published on Thursday, 15 October 2026.

Falk said Iran's future is in the hands of the Iranian people. He referred to the Islamic Republic's violent suppression of street protests and said he understands Iranians' concerns. According to him, military and economic pressure on the Islamic Republic gives Iranians an opportunity to challenge their rulers.

The economic blockade and two military operations

Netanyahu's adviser called the US-led economic blockade of the Islamic Republic a success, but said its full effect takes time. He described two earlier operations against the Islamic Republic as among the most successful military operations in modern history. Falk declined to give a timetable for political change in Tehran and gave no details about further support for Iranians who want change.

In line with Netanyahu's remarks

The remarks came a day after Benjamin Netanyahu, in an interview with the Kan network, said the Islamic Republic must go, but did not consider its fall realistic before Israel's election on 27 October. He had also said earlier that an attack on the Islamic Republic before Israel's election is not in that country's interest.

Falk's remarks come as Iran's economy collapses under the pressure of war and a naval blockade: crude oil exports have dropped to zero and year-on-year inflation has exceeded 89 percent.

Ophir Falk said Iran's future is in the hands of the Iranian people and that military and economic pressure gives them the chance to challenge their rulers.