President Donald Trump has called for a change in Iran’s leadership after Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei dismissed demands to capitulate following U.S. airstrikes on Iranian nuclear sites.
Before the U.S. conducted strikes on three nuclear facilities in Fordo, Natanz, and Isfahan during an operation dubbed ‘Midnight Hammer’ on Saturday, Trump had stated that his administration was focused on eliminating Iran’s nuclear capabilities rather than seeking regime change.
However, after the operation reportedly destroyed Iran’s nuclear facilities, Trump indicated that he is now considering the possibility of regime change, especially since Khamenei rejected calls from Western leaders to engage in negotiations.
Trump remarked that it is currently deemed politically incorrect to label Saturday’s actions as a move towards regime change, but he suggested that such a change might become necessary if Iran continues its nuclear ambitions.
Read also:
- Trump confirmed US airstrikes on Iran’s 3 nuclear sites, promises more attacks
- Trump’s camp split over US joining Israel in attacking Iran
- Trump hints on possible US involvement in Israel, Iran conflict
“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!!!,” Trump posted on Truth Social.
In response, the Iranian government has pledged to appropriately counter U.S. aggression, asserting its right to defend its sovereignty amid the ongoing regional conflict.
“The U.S. military aggression against the territorial integrity and national sovereignty of a UN member state conducted in collusion with the genocidal Israeli regime has once again exposed the depravity of American foreign policy and the hostility of the U.S. ruling establishment towards the peace-seeking and independence-loving people of Iran,” the foreign ministry stated on Sunday.
The ministry further declared that “the Islamic Republic of Iran is determined to defend its territory, sovereignty, security, and people by all means against the United States.”