Donald Trump claimed that a “regime change” has already taken place in Iran. He made this statement while speaking aboard Air Force One. He said this change has happened even without a formal announcement. His remarks have drawn global attention. He linked the shift in power to the reported deaths of key leaders. These include Mojtaba Khamenei and his father Ali Khamenei.
Trump Claims Leadership ‘Decimated’ in Iran
While speaking during his flight, Donald Trump said that Iran’s leadership has weakened in multiple stages during the ongoing conflict. He claimed the first group of long-time leaders was “decimated” and that most of them are now dead.
He added that a second group replaced the original leadership, but the conflict largely eliminated this group as well. According to Donald Trump, only a small number of individuals from that phase may still be alive. This highlights the scale of losses within Iran’s leadership structure.
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Trump said a third group has now taken control. He described them as “different people.” According to him, they are not part of the old system. He added that they appear more reasonable. Based on these changes, he said a “regime change” has already taken place. He said this happened even without a formal announcement. He added that a deal between the United States and Iran could still happen. However, he said it is not guaranteed.
Tehran Hit by Strikes as Leadership Losses Mount, Mojtaba Khamenei in Focus
Trump’s remarks come during a period of intense military activity involving the United States and Israel. The joint operations have reportedly targeted key military and political figures inside Iran. These strikes, which began on February 28, have led to major losses among Iran’s top leadership, significantly affecting the country’s power structure.
One of the most significant developments mentioned is the death of Ali Khamenei, who had been Iran’s Supreme Leader for decades and played a central role in shaping the country’s policies. Following his death, his son Mojtaba Khamenei was said to have taken over the position, marking a major transition in leadership.
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His appointment reportedly came through the Assembly of Experts, the body responsible for selecting Iran’s Supreme Leader. However, Trump’s latest claim suggests that Mojtaba Khamenei is also dead. This claim has not been independently confirmed, but it forms a key part of his argument that Iran’s leadership has been systematically weakened.
In addition to the Supreme Leaders, several other high-ranking officials have reportedly been killed. These include senior military commanders and intelligence officers who played key roles in Iran’s defense and strategy. The scale of these losses has raised serious questions about how Iran’s government is currently functioning and who is making critical decisions at the highest level.
‘Different People’ Now in Power, Says Trump
Donald Trump emphasized that the current leadership in Iran is not only smaller but also very different from the past. He said the United States is now dealing with people “nobody has dealt with before,” highlighting a major shift in Tehran’s power structure.
According to Trump, this change is enough to describe the situation as a “regime change.” Traditionally, regime change refers to a complete replacement of a government. However, he argued that the large-scale loss of leaders and the rise of new figures has already achieved a similar outcome without a formal announcement.
Trump also pointed out that the new leadership appears more open in its approach. He described them as “very reasonable,” suggesting they may be more willing to engage in negotiations compared to previous leadership groups.
At the same time, he said that while a deal with Iran is possible, it is not guaranteed. His comments suggest that some form of communication may already be happening even as military operations continue.
He added that regime change was not necessarily the main objective but believes it has already occurred as a result of the conflict, reflecting the rapidly evolving situation and leadership shifts inside Iran.