Donald Trump: I Am Not Seeking Regime Change in Iran

Donald Trump, President of the United States, made contradictory remarks in recent statements regarding U.S. policy toward Iran; he emphasized that he is not seeking regime change in Iran, but simultaneously claimed that regime change in Iran has occurred and the current "third regime" is now in place. Trump also described his performance against Iran as "extraordinary" and claimed that he has "destroyed" Iran's military and that Iran cannot obtain nuclear weapons. In other remarks, he expressed a preference for reaching an agreement with Iran and indicated that he does not want to harm Iran's population of 91 million. Trump also claimed regarding Ukraine that the presidents of Russia and Ukraine are willing to end the war and believes that America is capable of doing so.

• Trump claimed that U.S. performance in Iran has been "extraordinary" and that he has "destroyed" Iran's military.
• The U.S. President emphasized that he does not want to harm 91 million people (Iran's population) and prefers to reach an agreement.
• Trump stated: "I am not seeking regime change in Iran," but in another statement claimed that regime change in Iran has occurred and the "third regime" is now established.
• Trump claimed that America has not received adequate media coverage regarding Iran.
• Trump claimed that Iran cannot obtain nuclear weapons.
• The U.S. President stated that the presidents of Russia and Ukraine want to end the war and believes that America is capable of doing so.
• Regarding the nature of negotiations with Iran, Trump expressed that he would like to reach an agreement (without further detail regarding the conditions or framework of this agreement in the current coverage).. Coverage difference: Some outlets (Khabar Online, Shargh and Etemad newspapers) emphasized Trump's explicit statements about not pursuing regime change and preferring an agreement, while other outlets (Khabar Fouri) emphasized the apparent contradiction between his denial and his claims that regime change has occurred, as well as his exaggerated claims about the "destruction" of the military. All outlets' coverage of Ukraine was consistent, but the major difference lies in the degree of emphasis placed on Trump's contradictions regarding Iran.