Trump Says Iran Regime Change Is “Best Thing That Could Happen”

The president’s comments mark a notable escalation in tone, aligned with a significant US military build-up that includes deployment of a second aircraft carrier to the region. Officials have said the additional assets are being positioned as leverage should talks with Tehran fail.

Speaking after visiting US forces at Fort Bragg in North Carolina, Trump was pressed by reporters on whether he supported changing Iran’s leadership.

“It seems like that would be the best thing that could happen,” Trump said, without specifying who he believes might replace the current government. He framed the comment in the context of frustration with long-running negotiations and Iran’s perceived obstruction of progress toward limiting its nuclear programme.

The comment came as the Pentagon confirmed the redeployment of the USS Gerald R. Ford aircraft carrier to join the USS Abraham Lincoln in the region — signalling heightened readiness for possible military action if talks break down.

Trump and senior advisers have portrayed the Islamic Republic’s leadership as a barrier to regional peace and security. While some diplomatic talks have taken place — including meetings in Geneva with Iranian officials mediated by Oman — progress has stalled, particularly over nuclear enrichment, missile programmes, and Tehran’s support for militant groups.

Trump’s rhetoric reflects both domestic political priorities and influence from key foreign policy allies advocating a tougher line, including calls from some Republican lawmakers that the current Iranian leadership is a destabilising force.

The president’s remarks have drawn criticism from global observers who warn that openly advocating regime change could escalate tensions. Gulf states and other regional actors have previously cautioned that military confrontation with Iran risks widening conflict across the Middle East.

Iran itself has responded to increased US pressure by reiterating its refusal to cease uranium enrichment programmes and warning that aggressive actions could lead to retaliation. Tehran’s foreign ministry has emphasised resistance to foreign coercion, even as internal protest movements put additional pressure on the clerical leadership.

Despite the sharp rhetoric and military signals, the U.S. administration has maintained that diplomatic channels remain open. Talks mediated by Oman and involving representatives from both sides aim to address nuclear restrictions, although major differences persist on key issues.

“I don’t want to talk about that,” Trump said when asked who might replace Iran’s leaders, indicating caution even as he endorsed regime change as an ideal outcome.

Trump’s comments represent one of the most explicit US endorsements of regime change rhetoric in years, a departure from previous administrations’ typically more cautious diplomatic language. Analysts warn that such rhetoric — especially when paired with visible military readiness — increases the risk of miscalculation, particularly if Iranian leaders interpret it as an imminent threat.

The situation remains fluid: diplomatic efforts continue, public and policymaker opinion is divided, and military deployments underscore the delicate balance between pressure and escalation.

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