Camilla Jessen
President Trump’s message of “regime change” in Iran has stirred confusion within his administration.
U.S. President Donald Trump teased the idea of regime change in Iran following U.S. airstrikes on its nuclear installations.
Posting on his social media platform Truth Social, he wrote, “If the current Iranian regime is unable to make Iran great again, why not regime change? MIGA!” suggesting that leadership overhaul could be on the table.
Trump also praised the airstrike, calling the damage “colossal” and stating the B‑2 bomber crews had returned safely to Missouri after dropping heavy “bunker-buster” bombs on Iran’s nuclear sites.
Military Strike Targets Iran’s Nuclear Program
On June 22, the U.S. Air Force launched a major operation—dubbed Operation Midnight Hammer—striking Iran’s nuclear facilities in Natanz, Fordow, and Isfahan.
According to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), B‑2 stealth bombers dropped Massive Ordnance Penetrators, while submarines launched dozens of Tomahawk cruise missiles.
The White House describes the strikes as precise and measured, aimed solely at curbing Iran’s nuclear capabilities, not targeting government leadership.
Mixed Signals from Administration
Despite Trump’s post, top officials including Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, Vice President J.D. Vance, and Secretary of State Marco Rubio have asserted that regime change is not the official goal.
They emphasize that the mission is focused strictly on dismantling the nuclear threat, not overthrowing Iran’s government.
However, Trump’s overt comments have introduced ambiguity about U.S. intentions.
Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei responded firmly, rejecting both war and forced peace. He warned that any U.S. military aggression would bring “serious and irreparable consequences” and pledged Iran would never yield to pressure.
Iran has reportedly pledged retaliation.