Iran is Proving More Resilient Than Expected. Here’s Why.

_WHAT’S HAPPENING_

Six weeks into Operation Epic Fury, American and Israeli forces have killed Iran's Supreme Leader, eliminated dozens of senior military and intelligence commanders, and degraded the country's missile arsenal and naval capabilities.

Yet US intelligence assessments completed before the first strike landed are proving accurate: the Islamic Republic is not collapsing. A National Intelligence Council assessment from February concluded that neither limited airstrikes nor a prolonged campaign would likely produce regime change in Tehran, even with its top leadership dead.

This also comes as Iranian allies China and Russia are stepping up to ensure the Islamic Regime has the capabilities to engage in a drag-out fight with the Americans.