Trump says change of power in Iran would be ‘best thing’, as he sends second carrier
South China Morning Post
by Agence France-PresseFebruary 13, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
US President Donald Trump has declared that a change of government in Iran would be “the best thing that could happen,” while escalating military pressure by dispatching a second aircraft carrier to the Middle East. This move signals an intensification of US efforts to influence Tehran, following Trump’s recent call for regime change—a departure from previous administrations' more indirect approaches.
Throughout his presidency, Trump has pursued a hardline stance on Iran, imposing economic sanctions and withdrawing from the 2015 nuclear deal. His administration has also sought to isolate Iran by pushing for stricter terms in negotiations over its nuclear program. The recent deployment of military assets reflects a strategy aimed at intimidating Tehran into concessions, though it risks escalating tensions further.
The significance of Trump’s comments lies in their overt call for regime change, which could destabilize the region and impact global security. While some view this as an attempt to weaken Iran’s influence, others warn that such rhetoric could lead to unintended consequences, including heightened regional instability and strained US relations with its allies. The situation underscores the delicate balance of power dynamics in the Middle East and raises questions about the long-term implications for international diplomacy.
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Originally published on South China Morning Post on 2/13/2026