BOSTON GLOBE
Yes, regime change could happen in Iran without boots on the ground
Alex Safian
March 13, 2026

While the fighting with Iran continues, many media commentators, strategic experts, and politicians have claimed that regime change cannot happen there without “boots on the ground,” or the commission of ground forces. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries is just one example, claiming in a CNN interview on March 2 that it would be “impossible.” There are relevant counter-examples, however, such as the overthrow of the regime of Moammar Khadafy in Libya or ending of the rule of Slobodan Milosevic in the former Yugoslavia. In both instances, Western air power — primarily American — played the decisive role. In Khadafy’s case this was direct, decimating his military and then bombing his escape convoy, leading to his capture and murder by rebels. READ MORE