The Institute for the Study of War (ISW) and the Critical Threats Project (CTP) at the American Enterprise Institute have released an updated morning special report on March 1, 2026, detailing escalating US-Israeli military operations targeting Iran's internal security apparatus. This strategic shift signals a significant evolution in the conflict's dynamics, moving beyond previous phases of confrontation toward more direct engagement with Iran's regime infrastructure. The analysis reveals a coordinated effort by the United States and Israel to destabilize the Iranian government by focusing on its internal security mechanisms, which are critical to maintaining the regime's operational continuity.
According to the report, the US-Israeli combined force has shifted its focus from symbolic targets to the internal security apparatus, including intelligence networks, military command structures, and security agencies responsible for regime stability. This targeting strategy aligns with the stated objective of toppling the Iranian regime, which has historically relied on a complex web of security forces to maintain control over its vast territories and diverse population. The implications of this shift are profound, as it represents a move toward more comprehensive and systematic disruption of Iranian governance and military capabilities.
Iran has responded to the strikes with the formation of a leadership council to temporarily assume responsibility for critical functions, indicating a strategic adaptation to the intensifying pressure. This rapid response mechanism suggests that Iranian leadership is recognizing the increasing sophistication and scale of the targeted operations, which have begun to impact the regime's ability to coordinate its internal security operations effectively. The council's formation highlights the regime's efforts to maintain operational continuity amid the challenges posed by the ongoing conflict.
The report emphasizes that these operations are part of a broader pattern of military engagement that has been unfolding since the initial phases of the conflict. The ISW and CTP analysis indicates that the US-Israeli strategy has evolved to target not only military assets but also the regime's internal security apparatus, which has been a critical component of Iran's ability to sustain its operations in the region. This shift reflects a more aggressive approach to undermining the regime's ability to function as a unified political and military entity.
The analysis also highlights the role of regional actors, particularly Hezbollah, in the broader conflict. Recent developments indicate that Hezbollah has become increasingly involved in the conflict, adding a new dimension to the strategic landscape. The involvement of groups like Hezbollah in the conflict has implications for the stability of the entire region, as it introduces additional complexity to the existing dynamics and increases the risk of further escalation.
Experts caution that the targeting of Iran's internal security apparatus may lead to a more prolonged and intense phase of conflict. The effectiveness of this strategy will depend on the ability of the US and Israel to maintain the precision and scale of their operations while avoiding unintended consequences that could destabilize the region further. The report underscores the importance of understanding the nuances of the conflict and the potential for significant shifts in the balance of power.