‘Would lead to chaos’: Trump says ‘not looking’ for regime change in Iran in U-turn

Trump also said that Iran would not be allowed to develop a nuclear weapon. He added that Russian President Vladimir Putin had contacted him and offered assistance regarding Iran. “Iran is not going to have a nuclear weapon,” Trump said, according to Reuters.

However, Trump gave a different signal in a social media post earlier this week. Writing on his Truth Social platform, he said, “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 comments appeared to conflict with statements made by his senior officials. Vice President JD Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth have said the United States is focused on ending Iran’s nuclear programme, not removing its government. “We don’t want to achieve regime change. We want to achieve the end of the Iranian nuclear programme,” Vance told ABC, as reported by Politico.

Trump’s post has raised concerns about whether the administration has a clear position. Some US officials told Politico they believed the aim was to pressure Iran without seeking to topple its leadership. But Trump’s words have added to uncertainty at home and abroad.

Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said on Sunday that the US had “crossed a very big red line” and warned that this was not the time for diplomacy.

From the homepage

India warns of ‘likely humanitarian consequences’ after US H-1B visa fee hike

Explained: H-1B visas, Indians, and the immigration discourse in the US

Malayalam superstar Mohanlal honoured with the Dadasaheb Phalke Award 2023