Trump Suggests ‘Regime Change’ In Iran, Claims Talks Held; Tehran Denies

ANKARA, March 23 (Bernama-Anadolu) -- President Donald Trump on Monday claimed that the United States has held “intense” discussions with Iranian authorities — claims Tehran denies — and also reportedly said "regime change" is happening in Iran, Anadolu Ajansi reported, citing US media.

In a telephone interview, Trump “insisted … that what is unfolding in Iran can be described as regime change,” CNBC reported.

In the interview, the US president signalled a major shift in efforts to resolve the three-week conflict, though details about the claimed talks remain unclear, such as who took part and how or where they might have been held.

Tehran has categorically rejected Trump’s claims of talks, with Iranian officials repeatedly stressing that no negotiations are taking place.

Trump told CNBC shortly after a Truth Social post that the United States is “very intent” on making a deal with Iran and voiced hope that something substantive can be achieved through the talks.

The news followed an earlier announcement on Truth Social that he had instructed the military to pause strikes on Iranian power plants and energy infrastructure for five days to allow for potential diplomatic progress.

Regional tensions have escalated since the US and Israel launched a joint offensive on Iran on Feb. 28, with reported casualties exceeding 1,300 people.

Iran has retaliated with drone and missile strikes targeting Israel, along with Jordan, Iraq and Gulf countries hosting US military assets, causing casualties, damage to infrastructure and disruptions to global markets and aviation.

-- BERNAMA-ANADOLU