US Deploys 2nd Aircraft Carrier as Trump Backs ‘Regime Change’ in Iran

February 14, 2026

US President Donald Trump has declared that regime change in Iran “would be the best thing that could happen”, signaling a hardening of Washington’s stance toward Tehran amid stalled nuclear negotiations and longstanding tensions. The comments came after Trump visited US troops at Fort Bragg, North Carolina, and spoke to reporters about future US policy toward Iran.

Second Aircraft Carrier Headed to Middle East

Trump confirmed that a second US aircraft carrier the USS Gerald R. Ford is being sent to the Middle East to join an already significant military presence in the region. This deployment, he said, is being undertaken “in case we don’t make a deal” with Iran, indicating preparations for a possible breakdown in diplomacy.

The Gerald R. Ford is being repositioned from the Caribbean Sea and will bolster naval strength alongside the USS Abraham Lincoln and other US naval assets.

Trump’s Rationale on Regime Change

When asked whether he supports regime change in Iran, Trump replied that it “seems like that would be the best thing that could happen,” stressing frustration with decades of negotiations that he characterized as ineffectual. He did not specify who, if anyone, should replace Iran’s current leadership, saying only that “there are people” who could take over.

Diplomacy and Ongoing Talks

Despite the tough rhetoric, Trump also indicated that the US still hopes for a diplomatic solution. Talks involving US envoys and regional mediators have taken place in recent days, aiming to revive discussions over Iran’s nuclear programmer and other concerns. However, Tehran has resisted some of Washington’s broader demands, including limitations on its ballistic missile development and support for proxy groups.

Israeli leaders, including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, have urged the US to insist that any deal also address Iran’s missile programmer and regional influence.

Regional Reactions and Risk of Escalation

Gulf Arab states have warned that any military escalation with Tehran could trigger a wider conflict across the Middle East, particularly as the region is still coping with instability from prior conflicts. Meanwhile, Iran has endured internal unrest following a brutal crackdown on nationwide protests, adding to both domestic pressure on its leadership and international scrutiny.