Economists: The timing and scope of the Middle East conflict, as well as the risk of regime change in Iran, remain unknown.

In a report, Anthony Willis, senior economist at Columbia Threadneedle Investments, stated that from a geopolitical perspective, the duration and scope of the Middle East conflict, and how far the US and Israel will go in pushing for regime change in Iran without deploying ground troops, remain unknown. He said, "Currently, it seems there is neither the will nor the resources to undertake actions beyond airstrikes." He pointed out that in the absence of credible opposition in Iran, if the US and Israel successfully overthrow the current regime, "we could see a situation similar to Iraq and Libya, descending into anarchy without a credible successor government." (Jinshi)