In a striking escalation, Trump Signals Regime Change After Strikes on Iran’s Nuclear Sites. President Donald Trump has floated the possibility of regime change in Iran, following a series of massive U.S. airstrikes on the country’s nuclear sites. The move has ignited a storm of geopolitical tension, regional instability, and speculation over the next phase of U.S.-Iran relations.
Trump Signals Regime Change After Strikes on Iran’s Nuclear Sites
“Make Iran Great Again”: Trump’s Provocative Post
Shortly after ordering the military assault, Trump posted on Truth Social: “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!!!”
The reference to “MIGA” (Make Iran Great Again) has been interpreted by many as a not-so-subtle call for the collapse or transformation of Iran’s ruling clerical establishment.
The comment comes amid heightened tension after the U.S. bombed nuclear enrichment facilities at Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan in a high-risk mission dubbed Operation Midnight Hammer.
Operation Midnight Hammer: Massive and Precise
The military campaign was conducted by seven B-2 Spirit stealth bombers, supported by more than 125 aircraft, 75 precision-guided munitions, and two dozen Tomahawk missiles.
The B-2s, each capable of carrying 30,000-pound bunker-buster bombs, flew an 18-hour mission from the U.S. to Iran and back, hitting Iran’s underground nuclear infrastructure.
General Dan Caine, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs, called the mission “flawless,” though analysts caution that the full extent of the damage remains unclear.
Satellite images show massive craters above the Fordow facility, but the IAEA (International Atomic Energy Agency) has yet to confirm whether Iran’s nuclear program has been permanently crippled.
White House Mixed Messaging: No Boots on Ground Yet
While Trump appeared to open the door to broader change in Tehran, senior officials walked back the rhetoric.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth stated: “This mission was not and has not been about regime change. It was a precision operation against the nuclear threat.”
Vice President JD Vance added that the U.S. has “no interest in boots on the ground”, emphasizing that the goal remains dismantling Iran’s nuclear capabilities through airpower and pressure.
Nonetheless, Trump’s MIGA comment has reignited fears of a U.S. plan for regime overthrow, despite the administration’s official position.
Iran Holds Fire For Now, But Vows Retaliation
In response, Iranian officials issued dire warnings. Speaking from Istanbul, Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi stated: “There will be no return to diplomacy until we have retaliated. The U.S. only understands threats and force.”
Although no immediate retaliation against U.S. forces has occurred, Iran has launched missile strikes on Israel, injuring dozens in Tel Aviv. In response, Israeli airstrikes targeted western Iran, reportedly killing several Iranian military officers.
Strait of Hormuz: A Choke Point Under Threat
Iran’s parliament has passed a bill to close the Strait of Hormuz, a critical passage for 25% of global oil shipments.
The move awaits final approval from the Supreme National Security Council, which is led by an appointee of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
If enacted, the closure could trigger a global oil crisis, further drawing international players into the conflict.
Iran’s Supreme Leader Silent as Succession Debate Intensifies
As tensions mount, attention has turned to the 86-year-old Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who has remained publicly silent since the strikes. Fears of health deterioration and potential assassination have accelerated debate over succession.
Top Candidates for Iran’s Supreme Leadership Include:
- Alireza Arafi – Deputy Chair of the Assembly of Experts; respected cleric with political reach.
- Hashem Hosseini Bushehri – Loyalist to Khamenei and influential in Qom’s seminary system.
- Gholam-Hossein Mohseni-Ejei – Iran’s hardline Chief Justice.
- Mojtaba Khamenei – The Supreme Leader’s son, wielding significant influence, though hereditary succession remains controversial post-1979.
None have made public statements since Trump’s MIGA post.
Israel-Iran Missile Exchange Sparks Regional Fear
The ongoing missile barrage between Iran and Israel has ignited fears of a broader regional war. While Israel’s Iron Dome defense system intercepted many of the incoming projectiles, some still caused damage in civilian areas of Tel Aviv.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared: “We are close to achieving our objectives in dismantling Iran’s missile and nuclear capabilities.” The exchange marks one of the gravest military escalations in the region in over a decade.
Global Response: UN Emergency Session, NATO Scramble
The UN Security Council convened an emergency session, with Russia, China, and Pakistan pushing for an immediate ceasefire resolution.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres called the airstrikes “a perilous turn,” urging a return to diplomacy before tensions spiral out of control.
At NATO’s upcoming summit in The Hague, Middle East security, Iran policy, and defense budgeting are expected to dominate discussions.
Public Backlash at Home: Anti-War Protests Erupt
In the U.S., thousands took to the streets in New York, Washington, and San Francisco, protesting what they see as a march toward war.
Signs like “Hands Off Iran” and “No More Endless Wars” echoed frustration over what many fear could become another Iraq-style quagmire.
Meanwhile, the Department of Homeland Security raised the threat level across major U.S. cities, deploying extra security to embassies, religious sites, and energy infrastructure.
Nuclear Program Not Fully Destroyed, Say Experts
While Trump hailed the strike as a “spectacular military success,” experts say Iran’s nuclear program is not fully neutralized. According to reports, enriched uranium was moved out of Fordow days before the attack a possible sign Iran anticipated the strike.
“Even if nuclear sites are destroyed, the game isn’t over,” said Ali Shamkhani, a senior advisor to Khamenei. “Enriched materials, indigenous knowledge, and political will remain.” The IAEA confirmed damage but said no radiation leaks have been detected.
Trump Faces Scrutiny: War Plans or Political Strategy?
Senator Marco Rubio defended the operation, saying: “There are no planned military operations unless Iran messes around. We’ve achieved our objectives.”
However, critics question whether Trump is deliberately baiting Iran into a response that could justify broader U.S. intervention.
Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard claimed Iran was close to weaponizing uranium, but the claim remains disputed. Rubio dismissed concerns over intent, saying:“That’s irrelevant.”
What’s Next? Retaliation, Diplomacy or War
The next move lies with Iran. President Masoud Pezeshkian has vowed retaliation, but has yet to clarify whether it will be diplomatic, cyber-based, or military.
If Iran targets U.S. forces or closes the Strait of Hormuz, the conflict could engulf multiple nations and disrupt global oil markets.
The world watches anxiously to see if Trump’s “Make Iran Great Again” vision becomes a path to peace or a dangerous road to war.
Conclusion: A Region on the Brink
The aftermath of Operation Midnight Hammer and Trump’s MIGA rhetoric has left the Middle East teetering on the edge. With military escalation, diplomatic gridlock, and leadership uncertainty in Iran, the global community is facing one of the most volatile moments in recent history.
The question now is not just what comes next but whether it can be stopped in time.
Also Read: Oil Prices Surge, Asian Markets Tumble: US-Iran Conflict Escalates
Also Read: Iran: What are the chances for regime change?
