Saudi Source Claims Iran Crisis Won’t End Without Khamenei’s Removal, Push for Coup Alleged

Tel Aviv: Rising unrest in Iran has captured international attention, with domestic protests against the Khamenei regime intensifying and fears of a U.S. military strike looming over Tehran. According to a report by Israeli media N12, a source within the Saudi royal family claims that Riyadh supports a leadership change in Iran, insisting that the removal of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei is essential for stability.

The source told N12 that limited military action alone will not resolve the crisis in Iran. “Fundamental structural change is required,” the source said. “The regime under Khamenei must be dismantled, and a strong new government installed in Tehran. This should not replicate the weak technocratic model seen in Iraq. Iran needs a resilient government to replace Khamenei’s rule.”

Calls for a Strong Government in Tehran

The report highlights that opposition protesters in Iran have reportedly lost confidence in U.S. President Donald Trump due to a lack of active support. The Saudi source argues that the solution lies in removing Iran’s top leadership, including Khamenei, followed by free and credible elections. Notably, Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi is reportedly not widely accepted among the Iranian populace, according to the same source.

Missed Opportunities

Despite protests earlier this year, the source claims that the chance to leverage domestic dissent against Khamenei was missed. The setbacks were attributed not only to Tehran’s suppression of protesters but also to insufficient external support. The source emphasized that any meaningful political change now requires renewed efforts for leadership transition in Iran.

Background

Earlier this year, large-scale demonstrations erupted in Iran against Khamenei’s rule. Concurrently, the U.S. issued repeated warnings of potential military action. Last year, both the U.S. and Israel conducted operations targeting Iran, reportedly aiming to remove the Khamenei-led administration and install leaders aligned with their strategic interests.

The Saudi source’s comments underscore the high-stakes geopolitical maneuvering surrounding Iran and suggest that Riyadh is actively considering steps to influence the country’s political future.