President Donald J. Trump declared that the United States and Israel have already brought about regime change in Iran through their month-long military campaign. He made the bold statement while speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One. Trump pointed to the deaths of several top Iranian leaders as clear evidence that the old power structure no longer exists.
He described the current Iranian leadership as “much more reasonable” and completely different from previous groups. Moreover, Trump expressed optimism about reaching a formal agreement with Tehran. He told reporters that he sees a deal coming soon and believes it could happen quickly.
Trump noted that Iran has already accepted most points from a 15-point proposal presented by Washington. Officials passed the framework through indirect talks facilitated by Pakistan. He added that the United States might still press for a few additional concessions as negotiations continue.
US and Israel Press Military Campaign While Talks Advance
The president’s comments come amid intense fighting that has spread across the region. American and Israeli strikes recently targeted Iranian energy facilities, causing widespread power outages in Tehran and surrounding areas. In response, Iran launched missile attacks on Kuwait and Saudi Arabia. One strike on a Kuwaiti power station and water desalination plant killed an Indian worker and injured others.
Meanwhile, tensions continue to rise in Lebanon. A UN peacekeeper died after a projectile struck a UNIFIL position in southern Lebanon, with another peacekeeper critically wounded. Israeli forces also renewed strikes on targets inside Tehran, including a university in Isfahan and a missile production facility. Iran’s Revolutionary Guards claimed a successful missile strike on Israel’s Ramat Hovav industrial zone, where fires and heavy smoke were visible.
Regional Powers Push for Peace as Oil Prices Surge
Pakistan has stepped forward as a key mediator in the conflict. Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar expressed satisfaction that both Iran and the United States trust Pakistan to help broker talks. Diplomats from Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and Turkey recently gathered in Islamabad to discuss peace efforts.
However, Iran’s parliament speaker, Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, accused Washington of using diplomacy as a smoke screen while secretly planning a ground operation. He warned that Iranian forces stand ready to confront any American soldiers who arrive on the ground.
