ISLAMABAD (PEN) : U.S. President Donald J. Trump has stirred international concern after suggesting potential regime change in Iran, days after U.S. airstrikes hit key Iranian nuclear facilities. The remarks, made via Trump’s Truth Social platform, followed his praise of the military operation’s success.
“Monumental” Damage and Military Praise
“The damage to the nuclear sites in Iran is said to be ‘monumental.’ The hits were hard and accurate. Great skill was shown by our military. Thank you!” Trump posted Sunday morning, referring to U.S. strikes on facilities in Isfahan, Natanz, and Fordow.
While the Pentagon has yet to release a detailed assessment, President Trump’s comments implied a significant blow to Iran’s nuclear infrastructure.
Trump Raises Possibility of Regime Change
In a follow-up post, Trump took a more provocative tone: “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!!!” he wrote, reviving a slogan reminiscent of his earlier campaigns.
Legal Debate and Domestic Reaction
Trump’s statements came amid criticism from U.S. lawmakers, including Republican Congressman Thomas Massie, who called the Iran strikes unconstitutional. Responding online, Trump claimed: “We had a great military victory yesterday in which we took the bomb out of Iran’s hands (and if they could, they would have used it),” though he provided no evidence to support the assertion.
International Backlash at the UN
Trump’s remarks coincided with an emergency United Nations Security Council session, where Iran’s UN representative, Amir Saeid Iravani, condemned the strikes as violations of international law and asserted Iran’s “complete and lawful right” to respond.
Other UN member states also criticized the U.S. action. China labeled the strikes a “dangerous violation” of the UN Charter, while Russia’s envoy, Vasily Nebenzya, described them as a “humiliation of the international community.” Pakistan’s ambassador Iftikhar Ahmad urged support for a draft resolution demanding an unconditional ceasefire and a return to diplomatic negotiations.
