SCMP Business EN

US officials sceptical of Iran regime change after Khamenei killing, sources say

Following ⁠the killing of Iran’s Supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei on Saturday, many senior US ⁠officials remain sceptical that the US and Israeli military operation against the Islamic Republic would lead to a regime change in the near term. Before and after the start of the attack, US officials, including US President Donald Trump, had suggested that toppling the nation’s repressive governing system was one of several US goals, in addition to crippling Iran’s ballistic missile and nuclear...

Mar 02, 2026 &03250202202631; 09:25 UTC www.scmp.com Trending 5/5

Read original on www.scmp.com ↗

↘

Negative for markets

Sentiment score: -70/100

Moderate impact Immediate effect (hours)

WHAT THIS MEANS

Geopolitical tensions in the Middle East following the killing of Iran's Supreme Leader could increase oil price volatility and drive safe-haven asset demand, but scepticism about regime change may temper immediate market panic.

AI CONFIDENCE

0% Low

SENTIMENT GAUGE

NEWS POWER SCORE

AFFECTED ASSETS

⇅

Oil (WTI Crude)

CL=FCommodity

High volatility expected

Increased geopolitical risk in a major oil-producing region could lead to supply concerns and price swings.

↑

Gold Futures

GC=FCommodity

Expected to rise

Safe-haven demand likely to rise amid uncertainty and potential escalation in the Middle East.

↓

Euro / US Dollar

EURUSDCurrency

Expected to decline

USD may strengthen as investors seek safety, putting pressure on the euro.

↓

S&P 500

^GSPCIndex

Expected to decline

Broad market uncertainty and risk aversion could weigh on U.S. equities due to geopolitical tensions.

↓

10-Year Treasury Yield

^TNXBond

Expected to decline

Flight to safety may increase demand for Treasuries, pushing yields lower.

PRICE HISTORY

Loading chart...

⚡ SUGGESTED ACTION

Reduce exposure to risky assets like equities and consider hedging with gold or government bonds until the situation clarifies.

KEY SIGNALS

Geopolitical instabilityUS-Iran military operationScepticism on regime change

SECTORS INVOLVED

EnergyDefenseFinancials

Analysis generated on Mar 02, 2026 at 09:44 UTC

Disclaimer: This analysis is generated by artificial intelligence for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice, investment recommendation, or solicitation. Original reporting by SCMP Business. Always conduct your own research and consult a qualified financial advisor before making investment decisions.

US officials sceptical of Iran regime change after Khamenei killing, sources say

RELATED INTELLIGENCE