Iran regime change is 'best thing that could happen': Trump
What's the story
United States President Donald Trump has said that regime change in Iran is "the best thing that could happen." He made the statement while speaking to reporters at Fort Bragg, North Carolina. Trump said he wanted Iran to fully abandon its enrichment program, which Tehran insists is for peaceful purposes.
Protest response
Trump criticizes Iran for 'talking' for 47 years
Trump criticized Iran, saying, "For 47 years, they've been talking and talking and talking. In the meantime, we've lost a lot of lives." He didn't elaborate on how he envisioned regime change in Iran. In January, Trump had spoken out in support of anti-regime protesters in Iran. The US has sent two aircraft carriers to the Middle East as part of its strategy to pressure Iran into a nuclear deal.
Military presence
Two US aircraft carriers sent to Middle East
The USS Gerald R Ford, the world's largest warship, is on its way to join the USS Abraham Lincoln in the Middle East. The Pentagon had sent the Abraham Lincoln to the region in January after Trump threatened military action against Iran. These developments come amid ongoing tensions between Washington and Tehran over nuclear negotiations and regional security issues.
Diplomatic efforts
US negotiating team meets Iranian officials
The US negotiating team has met with Iranian officials to discuss the nuclear program. Washington is also interested in agreements on human rights and stopping arms supplies to proxies like Hezbollah. However, Tehran has so far refused to engage on these issues. The situation remains tense as both sides continue their diplomatic efforts while US military assets remain deployed in the region.