Trump Calls Iran Regime Change “Best Outcome”

WASHINGTON: (Web Desk) – US President Donald Trump said Friday that a change of government in Iran would be the “best thing that could happen,” while sending a second aircraft carrier to the region to increase military pressure on Tehran.

Trump’s remarks mark his most explicit call yet for toppling Iran’s clerical leadership as he continues to push Tehran toward a deal to curb its nuclear program. Speaking at Fort Bragg in North Carolina, Trump told reporters, “Seems like that would be the best thing that could happen,” when asked about regime change. He declined to name a successor but added, “there are people.”

Earlier, Trump announced that the USS USS Gerald R. Ford, the world’s largest warship, would soon head to the Middle East to exert pressure on Iran, supplementing the USS Abraham Lincoln and 12 other US vessels already in the region.

The exiled son of Iran’s last shah, Reza Pahlavi, renewed calls for international intervention following Tehran’s violent crackdown on protests, which rights groups say killed thousands. Pahlavi urged a humanitarian intervention to protect civilians, emphasizing the need to prevent further deaths.

US sends second aircraft carrier to Middle East, warns Iran

Protests have temporarily subsided, but videos verified by AFP show anti-government chants as Iran marked the anniversary of the 1979 Islamic revolution. Reports indicate that over 53,000 people were arrested, and at least 7,008 mostly protesters were killed, though the true toll may be higher, according to rights groups. Hundreds face charges that could carry the death penalty.

Meanwhile, three reformist Iranian politicians — Azar Mansouri, Javad Emam, and Ebrahim Asgharzadeh — were released on bail after being detained in connection with the protests, highlighting continued political tensions within the country.

US-Iran nuclear talks took place last week in Oman, but no dates have been set for follow-up discussions. While the West fears Iran aims to build a nuclear bomb, Tehran denies these claims. UN nuclear watchdog chief Rafael Grossi said an agreement on inspections was “terribly difficult” but possible.