Washington: Former U.S. President Donald Trump has stirred international concern by hinting at a possible push for regime change in Iran, just days after a coordinated U.S. and Israeli strike targeted Iran’s nuclear infrastructure. The statement, delivered via his Truth Social account, appears to contradict earlier claims by his administration that the strikes were limited to disabling Iran’s nuclear threat not reshaping its political landscape.
In a post that quickly gained traction, Trump wrote, “It’s not politically correct to use the term ‘Regime Change,’ but if the current Iranian Regime is unable to MAKE IRAN GREAT AGAIN, why wouldn’t there be a Regime change??? MIGA!!!” His use of the phrase “Make Iran Great Again,” a play on his well-known MAGA slogan, has sparked fears of a broader political and military campaign aimed at toppling the Islamic Republic’s leadership.
Although President Trump’s post appeared casual, the implications have been anything but. Senior officials, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, have scrambled to downplay suggestions of regime change. They reiterated in press briefings that the airstrikes conducted earlier this week were strictly aimed at dismantling Iran’s underground nuclear capabilities, not its government.
Vice President J.D. Vance echoed this sentiment during a Sunday interview, stating, “We do not want to protract this or build this out any more than it’s already been built out. We want to end their nuclear program. We want to talk to the Iranians about a long-term settlement here.” His comments attempted to shift the narrative back toward diplomacy, but Trump’s statement continues to dominate headlines and diplomatic circles.
Iran reacted swiftly and forcefully to the messaging. The country’s Foreign Minister, Abbas Araqchi, warned that any attempt at regime change would cross a red line, escalating the crisis beyond containment. In a statement released from Tehran, he condemned the U.S. for what he termed a “military provocation laced with colonial undertones” and announced plans for diplomatic meetings in Moscow to coordinate a response with Russian officials.
Analysts suggest Iran may now delay or suspend backchannel diplomatic efforts previously underway with European powers. The Iranian parliament is also reportedly pushing for a vote to support a potential closure of the Strait of Hormuz, a key artery for global oil exports. While no final decision has been made, such a move could trigger a seismic shift in global energy markets and draw regional and global actors deeper into the conflict.
The international community has expressed alarm over the escalating rhetoric. European Union leaders, including French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Annalena Baerbock, have urged Washington to clarify its intentions and commit to a peaceful resolution. Japan, Canada, and Australia also released statements calling for de-escalation and respect for international norms.
At the United Nations, Iran has submitted a formal complaint, accusing the U.S. of violating its sovereignty and the principles of the UN Charter. The Security Council is expected to hold an emergency session to address the matter.
Meanwhile, global markets have begun to feel the tremors. Oil prices surged to a six-month high on fears of shipping disruptions in the Persian Gulf. Several international airlines have also rerouted their flight paths to avoid Iranian airspace.
Within the U.S., reactions have been sharply divided. Some Republicans, such as Senator Lindsey Graham, have backed Trump’s tougher tone, calling it a necessary measure to stop Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons. Others, including a faction led by Senator Rand Paul, argue that regime change would lead to endless war and chaos in the region.
Democratic leaders, meanwhile, have criticized Trump’s handling of the crisis as reckless and destabilizing. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries said in a statement, “The American people deserve leadership, not dangerous rhetoric that could drag us into another decades-long conflict in the Middle East.”
While the U.S. administration continues to insist its objective is focused on Iran’s nuclear capabilities, Trump’s remarks have made it harder to separate military strategy from political ambitions. Iran’s next move whether retaliatory, diplomatic, or both will likely determine the trajectory of the conflict.
As tensions mount, the world watches closely. Trump’s high-stakes gamble may succeed in pressuring Tehran back to the negotiating table or it may ignite a regional conflagration with consequences that stretch far beyond the Middle East. Either way, the crisis has now entered a more volatile and unpredictable phase.