Trump Backs Regime Change in Iran, Signals Tougher US Posture
Second US Aircraft Carrier Dispatched as Nuclear Talks Continue
US President Donald Trump has publicly endorsed regime change in Iran, calling it “the best thing that could happen” to the country, in one of his clearest statements yet, favouring the replacement of Tehran’s clerical establishment.
Speaking on Friday, Trump criticised Iran’s leadership for decades of hostility and instability, stating that “for 47 years, they’ve been talking and talking and talking,” while alleging that many lives had been lost in the process. He did not specify who should lead Iran but remarked that “there are people” capable of taking over. Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei has not responded to the remarks so far.
In a parallel development, Trump announced that the USS USS Gerald R Ford, the newest and largest US aircraft carrier, will soon relocate from the Caribbean to the Middle East. The vessel is expected to join the USS USS Abraham Lincoln already stationed in the region, intensifying military pressure on Tehran.
On his platform Truth Social, Trump shared an aerial image of the carrier in transit. The Pentagon had earlier deployed additional assets amid heightened tensions and following threats of possible strikes if a new nuclear agreement is not secured.
During a recent meeting at the White House with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Trump reaffirmed that diplomatic engagement with Tehran would continue. However, he reiterated that Iran must agree to halt uranium enrichment.
Israel has pressed for curbs not only on Iran’s nuclear activities but also its ballistic missile programme and backing of groups such as Hamas and Hezbollah.
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has indicated willingness to limit nuclear activities in exchange for sanctions relief but warned that Tehran would not yield to what he described as excessive demands.
Trump had previously withdrawn the US from the 2015 nuclear accord during his first term and reinstated sanctions, moves that severely strained Iran’s economy. Negotiations for a revised deal had resumed before being disrupted by a 12 day conflict between Israel and Iran. [KNT]
