'It Was Not A Part': Trump Says He 'Never Cared' About Regime Change In Iran

Donald Trump rejected the idea that regime change in Iran was a goal of his administration, stating during a meeting with Qatar’s Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani at the G7 Summit in France that 'it was never a part.' His remarks contrasted with earlier statements in February, when he described the overthrow of Iran’s government as 'the best thing that could happen' and urged Iranians to rise against their rulers. Trump’s shift came amid a U.S.-Iran peace agreement that ended months of conflict and restored maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz. While insisting regime change was not official policy, he noted that Iran’s leadership had already undergone significant changes due to the war, including the death of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and the rise of his son, Mojtaba Khamenei. The U.S. president described the new Iranian leadership as 'rational' and 'smart,' claiming they were 'not radicalized' and focused on helping their country. He added that relations between Washington and Tehran had effectively normalized following the agreement. Trump acknowledged that senior Iranian leaders from previous administrations had been killed in the conflict, but he framed the transition as a positive development. He suggested the remaining leadership was more pragmatic, signaling potential for improved U.S.-Iran relations moving forward. The comments mark a notable reversal from Trump’s earlier hawkish stance, which included direct calls for Iranian opposition and criticism of the regime’s actions. His latest remarks were made in the context of broader diplomatic efforts to stabilize the region.