Trump backs Iran regime change as second carrier deploys.

US & Iran – (Web Desk) – President Donald Trump signaled a major shift in strategy on Friday, suggesting that a change of leadership in Iran would be the ideal outcome, just as the Pentagon moves a second aircraft carrier into the Middle East. The buildup of American military power is underway even as both Washington and Tehran tentatively explore the possibility of reviving stalled talks over Iran’s nuclear program.

When asked directly if he favored regime change, Trump responded that it “seems like that would be the best thing that could happen.” While he didn’t name a preferred successor, he hinted that potential alternatives exist, saying simply, “there are people.”

Speaking at a military event in North Carolina, Trump reflected on decades of unresolved tensions. “For 47 years, they’ve been talking and talking and talking,” he said. “In the meantime, we’ve lost a lot of lives while they talk. Legs blown off, arms blown off, faces blown off. We’ve been going on for a long time.”

The White House is pushing for any renewed nuclear agreement to also address Iran’s missile program, its support for regional armed groups, and its treatment of its own citizens. Iran, however, has signaled it is only willing to discuss its nuclear activities—and only in exchange for relief from economic sanctions.

Donald Trump confirms the US has sent a major aircraft carrier group toward Iran, saying he still hopes for a deal but warns talks have been difficult. His comments signal diplomacy backed by military pressure as tensions remain high.#DonaldTrump #USIran #MiddleEast… pic.twitter.com/4QvgeErDMm

— Geo Frontline (@geofrontlinetv) February 14, 2026

Trump has not ruled out military action if negotiations fail. When asked what would be left to strike at Iran’s nuclear sites, he replied bluntly: “The dust.” He added, “If we do it, that would be the least of the mission, but we probably grab whatever is left.”

In the meantime, the USS Gerald R. Ford—the newest and largest aircraft carrier in the world—is heading to join the USS Abraham Lincoln and other naval assets already positioned in the region. Trump explained the move candidly: “In case we don’t make a deal, we’ll need it … if we need it, we’ll have it ready.”

With only 11 aircraft carriers in the US military’s arsenal, they are a scarce resource and their schedules are usually set well in advance.

In a statement, US Southern Command, which oversees US military operations in Latin America, said it would continue to stay focused on countering “illicit activities and malign actors in the Western Hemisphere.”

The Ford has essentially been at sea since June 2025. It was supposed to be operating in Europe before it was abruptly moved to the Caribbean in November.

While deployments for carriers usually last nine months, it is not uncommon for them to be extended during periods of increased US military activity.

Navy officials have long warned that long deployments at sea can damage morale on ships.

Officials said the administration had looked at sending a separate carrier, the Bush, to the Middle East, but it was undergoing certification and would take over a month to reach the Middle East.

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The Ford, which has a nuclear reactor on board, can hold more than 75 military aircraft, including fighter aircraft like the F-18 Super Hornet jet and the E-2 Hawkeye, which can act as an early warning system.

The Ford also has sophisticated radar that can help control air traffic and navigation.

The supporting ships, such as the Ticonderoga-class guided missile cruiser Normandy, Arleigh Burke-class guided missile destroyers Thomas Hudner, Ramage, Carney, and Roosevelt, include surface-to-air, surface-to-surface and anti-submarine warfare capabilities.