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Trump calls Iranian regime change 'the best thing'
US President Donald Trump stated on Friday that replacing Iran's clerical leadership would be the most favorable outcome for the region, marking one of his strongest public endorsements of such a shift.
Speaking at an event in North Carolina, Trump criticized Iran's government for decades of unfulfilled promises, saying, "For 47 years, they've been talking and talking and talking. In the meantime, we've lost a lot of lives." He did not name specific figures he believes could lead Iran but suggested alternatives exist.
Iran's leadership silent as US pressures mount
Iran's Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, has not responded to Trump's latest remarks. Meanwhile, the US is escalating its military presence in the Middle East to increase leverage in nuclear negotiations.
Second US aircraft carrier deployed to Middle East
Trump announced the USS Gerald R. Ford, the world's largest and newest US aircraft carrier, will soon relocate from the Caribbean to the Middle East. The move follows the January deployment of the USS Abraham Lincoln, already stationed in the region.
On his Truth Social platform, Trump shared an aerial image of the Ford in transit, reinforcing the US commitment to maintaining a dual-carrier presence near Iran.
Protests and nuclear tensions drive US strategy
The Pentagon dispatched the Lincoln in January after the US threatened military action to deter Iran's violent crackdown on mass protests, which resulted in thousands of deaths. The demonstrations represented the most significant unrest in Iran since the 1979 Islamic Revolution.
Despite the military buildup, Trump emphasized that diplomatic efforts with Tehran would continue. Following a White House meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Wednesday, he reiterated that Iran must "give us a deal they should have given us the first time" to avoid potential strikes.
Sticking points in nuclear negotiations
The US demands Iran halt uranium enrichment, while Netanyahu's government insists Tehran must also curb its ballistic missile program and end support for proxy groups like Hamas and Hezbollah.
Iran has signaled willingness to limit its nuclear activities in exchange for sanctions relief but rejected what it calls "excessive demands." President Masoud Pezeshkian warned Iran would not capitulate to pressure.
Background: US withdrawal from nuclear deal
Trump withdrew the US from the 2015 Obama-era nuclear agreement during his first term and reimposed sanctions that have severely weakened Iran's economy. Last year, his administration resumed talks to negotiate a new deal before the 12-day conflict between Israel and Iran intensified regional tensions.
