Iran regime change 'back on the menu' for Trump as diplomatic pressure falters - report

The Trump administration is reportedly revisiting the idea of toppling Iran's government, as diplomatic avenues appear to be yielding insufficient results. A Financial Times assessment, citing unnamed sources within the administration, suggests that the possibility of regime change is back on the table in Washington.

This potential shift signifies a return to initial objectives when the US and Israel launched actions against Iran in February 2026. At that time, the administration hoped military pressure would incite a popular uprising to remove the Islamic Republic. When this did not materialize, the focus moved to negotiations aimed at securing concessions on Iran's nuclear program and actions in the Strait of Hormuz.

However, the failure of these diplomatic efforts has reportedly renewed interest in the regime-change strategy. Officials are said to be examining ways to increase economic sanctions, disrupt Iran's oil exports, foster internal contacts, and encourage opposition movements. While these discussions indicate a questioning of whether negotiations can achieve acceptable outcomes, regime change has not been formally adopted as US policy. The ongoing dispute over fees for vessels passing through the Strait of Hormuz remains a central point of contention.