U.S. President Donald Trump has reignited discussions about regime change in Iran following stalled diplomatic efforts and continued, albeit reduced, navigation in the Strait of Hormuz post-conflict.
According to CNN, sources reveal that Trump has been inquiring with his national security team for months on the reasons behind Iranian inaction to overthrow their leaders.
Initially optimistic about potential protests in Tehran after intense strikes, Trump was reportedly convinced by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu that this scenario was possible.
However, U.S. officials, citing intelligence assessments, predicted that strikes were unlikely to lead to the fall of the Iranian regime, sparking wide debates within the administration before the war commenced last February.
The night the war began, Trump urged Iranians to rise against their government, stating in a video: "This might be your only chance for generations."
However, focus on regime change later decreased within Washington's priorities, as the administration shifted to negotiations to reopen the Strait of Hormuz.
In June, Trump asserted he "never cared about regime change," describing Iranian officials he negotiated with as "very rational," and noting past U.S. attempts to topple foreign governments have "never succeeded."
Nevertheless, he revisited the regime change rhetoric on Tuesday, questioning on social media: "When will the Iranian people rise and fight?"
Trump's remarks came after a three-day streak of exchanges between the U.S. and Iran, breaking a relative month-long calm.
On Wednesday, Trump declared a "very violent" attack had been launched by the U.S., expressing readiness for larger strikes whenever desired, but dismissed the notion of prolonged escalation, amidst relying on economic pressure.
Serious attempts to resume talks are currently nonexistent, as Trump ordered his envoys to halt discussions with Iran last month, according to U.S. officials.
Trump expressed satisfaction with the current stance, adding: "I like where we are now, having almost full control over the Strait of Hormuz and witnessing their complete economic collapse."
This escalation precedes the U.S. mid-term elections, with warnings from Trump's advisors and Republican allies that continued conflict could negatively impact the party at the polls.
Nonetheless, Trump denied that his decisions were influenced by electoral prospects, stating of Iran: "I don't know how much they can endure, but it doesn't matter."
The revival of regime change talks aligns with a shift in U.S. strategy focusing on financially strangling Tehran by tightening sanctions and threatening to penalize its major trade partners.
The U.S. administration bets on worsening living conditions to spark popular discontent against Iranian leadership.
Tehran is grappling with surging inflation and food prices, alongside a collapsing rial and worsening financial crises. Iranian President Masoud Beshkehn stated the nation faces "comprehensive economic, military, and security warfare."
Despite this, U.S. intelligence assessments do not indicate the imminent likelihood of protests capable of toppling the regime.