Trump says Iran regime change is 'best thing that could happen'

February 14, 2026

President Trump has made his most explicit statement supporting regime change in Iran, declaring it would be "the best thing that could happen" while deploying additional military assets to the region. The administration is sending the USS Gerald R Ford aircraft carrier to join another vessel already in the Middle East, intensifying pressure on Tehran to negotiate a new nuclear agreement. Although Trump continues to threaten military strikes if diplomatic efforts fail, he has indicated willingness to continue negotiations following discussions with Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu.

Who is affected

Iranian citizens and the clerical establishment led by Ayatollah Ali Khamenei
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and his government
US President Donald Trump and his administration
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his government
Proxy groups including Hamas and Hezbollah
Thousands killed during mass protests in Iran
US military personnel on the USS Gerald R Ford and USS Abraham Lincoln

What action is being taken

The USS Gerald R Ford aircraft carrier is relocating from the Caribbean to the Middle East
The USS Abraham Lincoln is already stationed in the Middle East
Talks between the US and Iran are continuing regarding a nuclear agreement
The US is pushing Iran to halt uranium enrichment
Netanyahu's government is insisting Tehran cut its ballistic missiles program and support for proxy groups

Why it matters

This represents a significant escalation in US-Iran tensions, with Trump making his clearest endorsement yet for overthrowing Iran's government while simultaneously deploying substantial military force to the region. The dual-track approach of military pressure combined with ongoing diplomatic negotiations creates a volatile situation that could either result in a new nuclear deal or potential military conflict. The outcome will have major implications for regional stability in the Middle East, the future of Iran's nuclear program, and the fate of Iranian proxy groups that influence conflicts across the region.

What's next

No explicit next steps stated in the article

Read full article from source: BBC