President Trump is considering a clandestine strategy, dubbed the “crown of thorns” plan, in collaboration with a key Middle Eastern ally to destabilize the Iranian government, as per insights from a former CIA official. The US administration has issued a strong warning to Iran, emphasizing the urgency of addressing its nuclear program. American military forces are amassing in the Gulf region in response.
In a defiant stance, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi asserted that the country’s armed forces are prepared to swiftly retaliate against any attack. Despite this tension, ex-CIA intelligence officer Andrew Bustamante believes a Venezuela-style intervention in Iran is improbable. However, Bustamante suggests that the US has options for regime change in Iran if it opts to pursue such action.
Bustamante, host of the EverydaySpy podcast, shared that replicating the US tactical approach in Venezuela in Iran may not be feasible. Instead, he proposes a collaborative strategy with a regional power for a more viable solution for Iran.
The ex-CIA officer outlined a potential scenario where the US could support Israel with resources, funding, and intelligence to carry out an operation against Iranian leadership. This approach, according to Bustamante, would allow Israel to take a leading role in the operation, deflecting criticism away from the US while achieving American strategic objectives.
Bustamante emphasized the strategic importance of Israel potentially targeting the Iranian leadership amid ongoing economic unrest in the region. He dismissed the idea of a mere capture mission against the Ayatollah, citing it as too risky and complex. Drawing a parallel to the past assassination of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh, Bustamante suggested a similar course of action against the Ayatollah.
The assassination of Haniyeh in 2024, allegedly orchestrated by Israel, was mentioned by Bustamante as a precedent for targeting high-profile figures in Iran. By December 2024, Israel’s Minister of Defense confirmed Israel’s involvement in the operation.