As diplomatic efforts with Tehran remain uncertain, Donald Trump has openly suggested that a change in leadership in Iran could be beneficial. At the same time, he confirmed that the United States is expanding its military presence in West Asia to prepare for any outcome.

Trump Signals Support for Leadership Change in Iran

After visiting American troops at Fort Bragg, Trump addressed reporters about rising tensions with Iran. He said replacing Iran’s clerical leadership “would be the best thing that could happen” as Washington considers its next move.

“It seems like that would be the best thing that could happen,” Trump said when asked about pressing for the ouster of Iran’s Islamic clerical leadership.

He criticised Iran’s rulers for prolonging talks without results. “For 47 years, they’ve been talking and talking and talking,” Trump said. “In the meantime, we’ve lost a lot of lives while they talk.”

He also highlighted the human cost of long-running conflicts in the region. “Legs blown off, arms blown off, faces blown off. We’ve been going on for a long time,” Trump said.

However, he declined to name any possible successor, saying only that “there are people.”

US Deploys Second Aircraft Carrier to West Asia

Meanwhile, Trump confirmed that the US will send a second aircraft carrier group to the region. He said the move will strengthen America’s position if negotiations fail.

“In case we don’t make a deal, we’ll need it,” he told journalists at the White House. “It’ll be leaving very soon. We have one out there that just arrived. If we need it we’ll have it ready, a very big force.”

Although he did not announce immediate military action, he made it clear that Washington is preparing for escalation if required. The additional deployment expands US military options and increases pressure during nuclear negotiations.

The carrier group had been stationed in the Caribbean for months during operations linked to Venezuela. Now, it will reinforce US naval forces already operating in West Asia.

Trump Warns of Consequences if Talks Collapse

At the same time, Trump expressed cautious optimism about diplomacy. However, he warned Iran of serious consequences if talks fail.

“I think they’ll be successful. If they’re not, it’s going to be a bad day for Iran, very bad,” Trump said.

He also predicted quick progress on a possible nuclear agreement. “I guess over the next month, something like that,” he said. “It should happen quickly. They should agree very quickly.”

Talks With Israel and Rising Regional Tensions

Trump also held detailed discussions with Benjamin Netanyahu. He said he encouraged continued negotiations with Iran. According to Associated Press, Netanyahu wants any future deal to require Iran to limit its ballistic missile programme and stop supporting militant groups such as Hamas and Hezbollah.

Meanwhile, Gulf Arab nations have warned that further military escalation could trigger a broader regional conflict, especially after recent fighting in Gaza.

US forces recently shot down an Iranian drone that approached an American carrier in the region. Iran also attempted to intercept a US-flagged vessel passing through the Strait of Hormuz. The expanded deployment was first reported by The New York Times.

Finally, Trump said that if diplomacy succeeds, the additional carrier group will withdraw. “If we have a deal, it’ll be leaving very soon,” he said.