Donald Trump raised eyebrows Sunday night by floating the idea of regime change in Iran following U.S. airstrikes on the country’s nuclear facilities.
“If the current Iranian Regime is unable to MAKE IRAN GREAT AGAIN, why wouldn’t there be a Regime change???” he wrote on Truth Social. “MIGA!!!”
Trump’s remarks came a day after the U.S. launched what he called a “very successful attack” on three Iranian nuclear sites, Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan. Officials say the strikes inflicted significant damage, though questions remain about their long-term impact on Iran’s nuclear ambitions.
Despite Trump’s post, top administration officials have denied regime change is the objective.
“This mission was not and has not been about regime change,” said Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. JD Vance echoed that stance on “Meet the Press,” saying the U.S. is “not at war with Iran” but with its nuclear program.
The Israeli government, led by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, applauded the operation. Israel has pushed for U.S. intervention since the conflict escalated on June 13, alleging Iran was nearing nuclear capability, a claim Tehran denies.
The strikes drew sharp criticism at home. Lawmakers from both parties accused Trump of bypassing Congress and risking wider war. Iran, for its part, responded with missile strikes on Israel and promised more retaliation.
President Masoud Pezeshkian warned French President Emmanuel Macron, “The U.S. has attacked us; what would you do in such a situation? Naturally, they must receive a response to their aggression.”
