Trump's Long-Standing Hostility Toward Iran Makes Regime Change Unlikely, Expert Says

Gate News message, April 22 — Brian Clark, director of defense concepts at the Hudson Institute in Washington, said Trump has long expressed disdain for Iran's leadership and appears to be seeking a "legacy initiative" that would permanently alter Iran, making it at least a country "neutral or even more friendly to the U.S." However, Clark emphasized this is not a new objective Trump has suddenly begun pursuing.

Both U.S. and Israeli leadership believe the current moment presents an opportunity to finally subdue Iran's regime, as it faces a weakened position. Clark, however, suggested this view may reflect a lack of historical perspective, noting that Iran has never been a country whose existing leadership structure can be easily overthrown.