Iran Regime Change 3-1-26

As of March 1, 2026, the situation regarding regime change in Iran is in an extremely volatile, fast-moving, and critical state following a massive joint U.S.-Israeli military operation.  Facebook +1 

Key Developments (as of March 1, 2026):

Death of Supreme Leader: Iranian state media has confirmed the death of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, following a U.S.-Israeli strike on his residence in Tehran. A 40-day period of national mourning has been announced.

Decapitation Strategy: The operation, titled "Operation Epic Fury" aimed to destroy Iran's nuclear and missile capabilities and topple the Islamic Republic. Reports indicate other top security officials, including Revolutionary Guard commanders, were also killed.

Regime Response: Despite the leadership vacuum, the Iranian regime is attempting to maintain control, with foreign minister Abbas Araghchi stating that regime change is an "impossible mission" and that a new leader could be chosen within days. An interim Leadership Council is reportedly being established.

Widespread Conflict: In retaliation, Iran launched missiles at Israel and US-aligned Gulf states (Bahrain, Qatar, UAE).

Protest Situation: Dissent remains high following a brutal January 2026 crackdown that killed thousands of protestors. While some Iranians express hope for change, experts caution that the lack of a unified opposition, combined with the entrenched power of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), makes a swift, peaceful transition difficult.  Atlantic Council +7

Outlook for Regime Change:
While the regime is described as severely weakened, its "survival" is now being reframed by analysts as a desperate, violent effort to retain power. The U.S. has expressed support for a change in government, but observers warn that the situation could lead to a messy, protracted power struggle rather than an immediate, stable transition to a new government. Foundation for Defense of Democracies +2

On March 1, 2026, the status of the Iranian regime is in a state of extreme crisis and transition following a massive military escalation. While the supreme leadership has been decapitated, the formal "regime change" into a new system of government has not yet been realized. 

Current Leadership Status

Supreme Leader Killed: State media has officially confirmed that Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was killed on February 28, 2026, during "Operation Epic Fury," a massive joint U.S.-Israeli airstrike targeting his residence in Tehran.

Interim Governance: A transitional leadership council has been formed to maintain control. It is led by President Masoud Pezeshkian, Judiciary Chief Gholam Hossein Mohseni Ejehei, and Ayatollah Ali Reza Arafi.

Military Casualties: High-ranking officials, including the commander of the Revolutionary Guard (IRGC) and the Defense Minister, were also reported killed in the strikes.  Oregon Public Broadcasting - OPB +5

Domestic and Regional Situation

Popular Unrest: Large-scale celebrations and protests have broken out in Tehran and other cities following news of the Supreme Leader's death. This follows a brutal crackdown in January 2026 that reportedly left thousands of protesters dead.

Active Warfare: Iran has retaliated by launching ballistic missiles at Israel and several Gulf nations, including the UAE and Bahrain. The U.S. and Israel are continuing a second day of strikes as of March 1.

Economic Collapse: In its final hours under Khamenei, the regime closed the Strait of Hormuz, blocking 20% of the world's oil supply, further crippling an already devastated domestic economy.   CNN +7

https://www.google.com/search?q=what+is+the+status+of+iran+regime+change+on+3-1-26+google+ai

Norb Leahy, Dunwoody GA Tea Party Leader

Shutdown Update 2-28-26

Based on search results for a partial government shutdown that began on February 14, 2026, and continued through February 28, 2026, the shutdown is limited primarily to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). The News Journal +1

Approximately 270,000 to 380,000 employees within DHS and its related components are affected, with about 90% classified as "essential" (excepted) and required to work without pay.  The News Journal +1

Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA): Staff managing non-disaster-related responses.

U.S. Secret Service (USSS): Agents and staff.

Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA): Key Federal Employees Affected:

Transportation Security Administration (TSA): Officers and staff are required to work without pay.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP): Agents and officers are required to work without pay.

Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE): Personnel working on immigration enforcement.

U.S. Coast Guard: Active-duty personnel Personnel.

Other Agencies: Some 10,000 Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) workers and staff in parts of the Department of State may be affected. Homeland Security (.gov) +4

Impact on Pay:

"Excepted" Employees: Roughly 90% of DHS employees are working without pay, but are guaranteed to receive back pay once funding is restored.

Furloughed Employees: Non-essential employees are on unpaid leave, but typically receive back pay after the shutdown ends.

Impact Timing: Many DHS employees began missing paychecks or receiving reduced pay starting in late February, with full paycheck disruptions anticipated in early March. Georgia Department of Labor (.gov) +4

Note: Other areas of the federal government, such as the Department of Defense, were funded for the remainder of FY2026, meaning the impact is not as widespread as a total government shutdown. 

As of February 28, 2026, the ongoing partial government shutdown exclusively affects the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). While most other federal agencies were fully funded through the end of the fiscal year by a package passed on February 3, funding for DHS lapsed on February 14. 

Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget +5

Affected DHS Employees

Approximately 90% of DHS's 260,000+ employees are classified as "essential" or "excepted" personnel. They are required to continue working during the shutdown but will not receive pay until funding is restored. Key affected groups include:  Georgia Department of Labor (.gov) +2

Transportation Security Administration (TSA): TSA officers and air traffic controllers are working without pay, which has begun to impact paychecks as of late February.

Customs and Border Protection (CBP): While border agents are essential, certain services like Global Entry and TSA PreCheck have seen temporary suspensions or disruptions due to resource conservation.

Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA): Disaster relief operations continue, but non-disaster responses and some programs like the National Flood Insurance Program have been suspended.

U.S. Coast Guard: Active-duty members and essential workers are continuing operations.

Other DHS Agencies: This includes employees of the U.S. Secret Service, CISA, ICE, and USCIS.  UNC Research +9

Agencies NOT Affected

Because they received full-year funding in early February, employees in the following departments are not affected by the current shutdown: 

National Association of Counties +2

Defense (Military & Civilian)

State Department (Passports and visas are still being processed)

Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education

Transportation, Housing and Urban Development

Treasury (including the IRS)

Veterans Affairs, Agriculture, and Justice 

Congresswoman Dina Titus (.gov) +5

Note on Pay: Under federal law, all furloughed and essential employees are guaranteed back pay once the shutdown ends. However, federal contractors generally do not receive back pay for lost work time. Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget +2

https://www.google.com/search?q=what+federal+employees+are+affected+by+the+shutdown+on+2-28-26+google+ai

Norb Leahy, Dunwoody GA Tea Party Leader