Fact Check: Trump hints at regime change in Iran after U.S. bombings.

Fact Check: Trump hints at regime change in Iran after U.S. bombings

What We Know

On June 22, 2025, following U.S. military strikes on three Iranian nuclear sites, President Donald Trump suggested the possibility of regime change in Iran. In a post on Truth Social, he stated, “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???” (AP News). This statement appeared to contradict earlier assertions from his administration, particularly from Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, who emphasized that the military action was “not and has not been about regime change” (AP News).

The strikes were part of a broader military operation dubbed “Operation Midnight Hammer,” which aimed to significantly damage Iran's nuclear capabilities without directly targeting Iranian troops or civilians (AP News). The operation was characterized by its use of decoys and deception, and it reportedly met with no Iranian resistance (AP News).

Analysis

The claim that Trump hinted at regime change in Iran is supported by his own words on social media, which explicitly raised the issue. However, the context surrounding his statement is crucial. While Trump’s comments suggest a willingness to consider regime change, they come after a military operation that his administration claimed was focused solely on neutralizing Iran's nuclear threat (Reuters).

The reliability of the sources reporting on this event varies. The Associated Press and Reuters are generally considered credible news organizations, providing detailed accounts of the events and the reactions from various political figures (AP News, Reuters). However, the conflicting messages from Trump and his administration raise questions about the coherence of U.S. policy towards Iran.

Moreover, the political implications of Trump's comments cannot be overlooked. They reflect a broader strategy that could be interpreted as both a taunt to Iran and a signal to his domestic audience about his tough stance on foreign policy. This duality complicates the interpretation of his statement as a straightforward indication of policy direction (AP News, Politico).

Conclusion

The claim that Trump hinted at regime change in Iran after U.S. bombings is Partially True. While Trump's social media post clearly suggests an openness to regime change, it contradicts the official stance of his administration, which has stated that the military action was not aimed at changing the Iranian government. This inconsistency indicates a complex and potentially contradictory approach to U.S. foreign policy in the region.

Fact Check: Trump hints at regime change in Iran after U.S. bombings.