Trump speculates about regime change in Iran after US strikes

June 23, 2025

President Trump has sparked speculation of a regime change in Iran after the US launched air strikes on facilities belonging to the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps.

The attacks, which were carried out by unmanned aerial vehicles, killed 19 people and came in response to an Iranian drone attack that killed seven American troops in eastern Syria last week.

Speaking to reporters at the White House, President Trump defended the strikes and said that "it is time for a regime change", adding that "it was a proportionate response" to Iran's "provocative" actions.

When asked whether the US was moving towards a military confrontation with Iran, President Trump responded, "I hope not," but "we'll see what happens".

The wider context

Tensions between the US and Iran have been ramping up for several years, but this is the first time a US president has explicitly suggested regime change, which is likely to increase fears of wider conflict.

It's worth noting that the Iranian regime has consistently denied any involvement in the attack on US troops in Syria and has condemned the US strikes on its military bases.

The question now is whether President Trump's comments will strengthen the hand of more hardline elements in the Iranian government, or whether this marks the start of a new phase in US-Iran relations.