WASHINGTON: US President Donald Trump on Friday signalled support for potential regime change in Iran and said “tremendous power” would soon be visible in the Middle East, as the Pentagon ordered the deployment of a second aircraft carrier to the region.
The remarks came despite ongoing diplomatic efforts between Washington and Tehran to revive talks over Iran’s nuclear programme. A source familiar with the development said US envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner are expected to hold negotiations with Iranian officials on Tuesday in Geneva, with Oman acting as mediator. The envoys are also scheduled to meet representatives from Russia and Ukraine as part of US efforts to end the Ukraine conflict.
Speaking after a military event at Fort Bragg, Trump said regime change in Iran “seems like that would be the best thing that could happen,” while declining to identify any alternative leadership.
Washington has sought broader negotiations covering Iran’s ballistic missile programme, regional activities and human rights concerns, while Tehran has maintained it is willing to discuss nuclear curbs in return for sanctions relief but not other issues. Trump has repeatedly warned of possible military strikes if talks fail, with Iranian officials pledging retaliation, raising fears of wider regional conflict.
US officials said the additional carrier strike group would reinforce American military presence in the Middle East alongside existing naval and air assets. One official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the carrier could take at least a week to reach the region.
The deployment underscores heightened tensions as the United States increases pressure on Iran while simultaneously pursuing diplomatic engagement.