Trump says regime change in Iran that ousts Islamic clerics ‘would be the best thing that could happen’ as another carrier heads to Mideast
Fortune
by Konstantin Toropin, Aamer Madhani, Jon Gambrell, The Associated PressFebruary 13, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
President Trump has expressed support for a regime change in Iran, stating that it would be "the best thing that could happen." His comments came as the U.S. announced the deployment of another aircraft carrier, the USS Gerald R. Ford, to the Middle East, signaling a potential escalation in tensions with Tehran. Trump emphasized that the prolonged discussions between the U.S. and Iran have not yielded significant progress, particularly on issues beyond nuclear restrictions, such as ballistic missiles and proxy group funding.
The move to send the Ford follows the Abraham Lincoln carrier group's presence in the region, which has already seen heightened military activity, including a recent drone shootdown near the USS Abraham Lincoln. Trump reiterated his hope for a diplomatic resolution but warned that the U.S. is prepared for all contingencies. The administration's decision to bolster its naval presence reflects concerns about regional stability, especially amid ongoing conflicts in Gaza and internal pressures in Iran, including widespread protests and economic sanctions.
From a business perspective, this escalation carries significant implications. A potential conflict in the Middle East could disrupt global oil supplies, impacting energy prices and markets worldwide. The situation also underscores the delicate balance of power in the region, where Gulf Arab nations have cautioned against actions that could ignite another regional war. As tensions rise, businesses and investors will closely monitor developments, given the potential economic fallout from a volatile Mideast landscape.
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Originally published on Fortune on 2/13/2026