Trump reverses course on military power for regime change

U.S. and Israel military action against Iran marks a significant policy shift for President Trump, who used to oppose military force to oust threatening foreign regimes.

Mr. Trump stated on social media nearly two years ago that he wouldn’t employ American power for such moves.

“We believe that the job of the United States military is not to wage endless regime change wars around the globe — the job of the United States military is to defend America from attack and invasion here at home,” he stated on Truth Social on May 25, 2024.

The shift comes after the reported deaths of tens of thousands of Iranian anti-government protesters last month for opposing the Islamic regime in Tehran.

It also followed failed negotiations on Iran’s nuclear ambitions that the president has said are being revived after bombing strikes in June.

The first indication that Mr. Trump altered his opposition to regime change came on the day U.S. bombers and ships blasted nuclear sites in Iran on June 22.

“It’s not politically correct to use the term, ‘Regime Change,’ but if the current Iranian Regime is unable to MAKE IRAN GREAT AGAIN, why wouldn’t there be a Regime Change??? MIGA!!!” Mr. Trump stated on Truth Social.

With the launch of major military operations on Saturday, Mr. Trump declared that the time had come for Iran’s troops and police to lay down their arms and for the Iranian people to seize power in Tehran.

The president appealed in a video message to the forces of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard — Islamic shock troops — plus regular soldiers and police to “lay down your weapons.” In exchange, the forces would be granted “complete immunity.”

The alternative is to “face certain death,” he said.

“Finally, to the great proud people of Iran, I say tonight that the hour of your freedom is at hand,” Mr. Trump said.

The president urged Iranians to remain sheltered to avoid bombs and missiles.

“When we are finished, take over your government,” he said. “It will be yours to take. This will be probably your only chance for generations.”

Mr. Trump said Iranians had sought American support against the regime for years. However, earlier presidents were unwilling to do what he is doing in launching the largest U.S. military operation in the Middle East in more than 20 years.

“Now, you have a president who is giving you what you want,” he said. “So let’s see how you respond. America is backing you with overwhelming strength and devastating force. Now is the time to seize control of your destiny and to unleash the prosperous and glorious future that is close within your reach. This is the moment for action. Do not let it pass.”

A significant element of Mr. Trump’s MAGA movement remains isolationist and against the Iran operations. 

Right-wing commentator Jack Posobiec said the conflict could hinder Republican prospects for holding a majority in Congress after the midterm elections.

“Charlie Kirk told us all that the younger generation of Americans are far more interested in domestic policy than pursuing international conflicts and we can’t forget that in a midterm year,” Mr. Posobiec stated on X, referring to the slain conservative activist.

Yet Laura Loomer, a conservative and strong backer of the president, supports the Iran strikes.

“Iran has been attacking the US for over 47 years. And now, the 47th President of the United States is ending their reign of terror,” she posted on X.

During his State of the Union speech to Congress this week, Mr. Trump signaled his mounting opposition to the regime in Tehran.

“As president, I will make peace wherever I can, but I will never hesitate to confront threats to America wherever we must,” he said, noting the June bombing raid against Iranian nuclear sites.

Also Tuesday night, Mr. Trump said Iran’s effort to build nuclear arms was continuing and that the regime “and its murderous proxies have spread nothing but terrorism and death and hate.”

He noted that Iran and its supporters have killed and maimed thousands of American military service members and “even millions of people.”

Among its most recent horrendous crimes, Mr. Trump said, was the killing of as many as 32,000 unarmed protesters who were shot and hanged.

On the U.S.-Iran talks in recent weeks, Mr. Trump said Iran’s leaders indicated they would like to make a deal, but “we haven’t heard those secret words, ‘We will never have a nuclear weapon.’” 

He added, “My preference is to solve this problem through diplomacy. But one thing is certain: I will never allow the world’s No. 1 sponsor of terror, which they are by far, to have a nuclear weapon. Can’t let that happen.”