President Donald Trump was crystal clear at the start of the military action against Iran that it was all about regime change. The United States, in co-ordination with Israel, would do its bit by targeting Iran’s leadership and command structure – but it was up to ordinary Iranians to rise up and finish the job. “The hour of your freedom is at hand, “he declared as US and Israeli warplanes bombed Iran, targeting the country’s supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and his inner circle. “When we are finished, take over your government. It will be yours to take…”.

There is no figurehead or leader to galvanise the masses, nor is there any common platform beyond a hatred of the mullahs

There is no figurehead or leader to galvanise the masses, nor is there any common platform beyond a hatred of the mullahs

So, how will Iranians respond? The most obvious thing to point out is that it would be hard for people with no weapons to topple rulers who are armed to the teeth. Some Iranians with long memories might also cast their minds back to the first Gulf War (1990-91) during which the United States encouraged Iraqis to rise up against their leader Saddam Hussein. Saddam’s opponents........

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