US President Donald Trump has stated that Iran’s current government could eventually collapse under the pressure of intensified fighting in the Middle East, though he acknowledged such a change may not be immediate. His remarks come as the conflict between Iran and a US‑Israeli alliance enters its second week, marked by escalating missile and drone attacks across the region.
Trump told reporters that mounting military pressure and internal dissent may weaken Tehran’s leadership to the point of collapse. “At some point, there may not be anybody left to say ‘we surrender,’” he said, describing the ongoing air campaign. He reiterated that the United States is not seeking negotiations at this stage and indicated the campaign could continue until Iran’s military and political leadership are neutralised.
The US‑Israel campaign has targeted Iranian military facilities and strategic sites, aiming to degrade Iran’s regional capabilities and prevent nuclear weapons development. These strikes are part of Washington’s stated goal to curb Tehran’s influence, which it labels destabilising.
However, analysts and some Western officials urge caution regarding near‑term regime change. They note that Iran’s leadership retains firm control through powerful institutions like the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps and the Basij militia, even amid economic hardship and war stress. Observers suggest that external pressure alone is unlikely to force a collapse; a significant domestic uprising or prolonged internal instability would likely be necessary.
The broader conflict has caused widespread destruction and casualties, with attacks spreading beyond Iran and Israel to other regional states. It has also disrupted global energy markets and raised concerns about security in the Strait of Hormuz, a critical oil shipping route. As hostilities persist, the prospect of regime change in Iran remains uncertain and debated among international observers, with no clear resolution in sight.
