Trump suggests regime change in Iran 'would be the best thing'

President Donald Trump signaled openness to regime change in Iran Friday, describing it as potentially "the best thing that could happen" during remarks at Fort Bragg, North Carolina. Reflecting on 47 years of the Islamic Republic's rule, Trump lamented: "For 47 years, they've been talking and talking and talking. 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. So let's see what happens."

Military Buildup and Carrier Deployment

Trump confirmed that "tremendous power" has already arrived in the region, with additional forces including another aircraft carrier deploying shortly. The USS Gerald R. Ford is set to join the USS Abraham Lincoln strike group, significantly expanding US naval presence. "If we have a deal, we could cut it short," Trump stated, warning that failure to reach agreement would necessitate maintaining "a big, a very big force." Asked about potential successors to Iran's current leadership, Trump declined to name specific individuals, stating only "There are people."

Nuclear Program and Negotiation Stance

Addressing Iran's nuclear program, Trump claimed facilities had been "totally obliterated" and when questioned about remaining objectives, responded: "You could get whatever the dust is down there... We'd probably grab whatever is left." He reiterated US insistence on zero nuclear enrichment by Tehran and characterized Iran's diplomatic approach as "a lot of talking and no action." Indirect US-Iran talks resumed Feb. 6 in Muscat after an eight-month hiatus following US strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities during June 2025 escalation. Washington seeks to expand negotiations to include Iran's missile program and regional activities, while Tehran insists discussions remain confined to nuclear issues.