US refuses to clarify stance on forcing Iran leadership change

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: Agencies
17 Jun 2025 22:32

The US has refused to clarify whether it supports regime change in Iran, as US President Trump's escalating threats, including a remark about eliminating Sayyed Khamenei, draw international condemnation and contradict claims of seeking diplomacy.

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US Department of State spokesperson Tammy Bruce at a press briefing on June 10, 2025. (screengrab from https://www.state.gov/)

The United States once again refused to clarify whether it supports efforts to force a change of leadership in Iran. The ambiguity comes in the wake of US President Donald Trump's increasingly aggressive rhetoric, including a recent declaration that the US could easily eliminate Sayyed Ali Khamenei, a statement condemned by many as a direct threat of assassination and a violation of international law.

During a State Department briefing on Tuesday, spokesperson Tammy Bruce declined to directly address whether Washington is actively pursuing political destabilization in Iran. "I am certainly not going to remotely address that. It would require me to speculate or speak on behalf of the president, which I will not do. What we have seen, though, is months and repeated statements that all he wants is a peaceful world," Bruce stated.

She added that Trump's consistent posture has been "looking to diplomatic solutions," though this has been sharply contradicted by his open endorsement of military options, his abrupt departure from the G7 summit, and his public call for Tehran residents to evacuate, signs that many interpret as preparation for escalation rather than diplomacy.

Earlier in the day, the United Nations urged all parties to exercise restraint and avoid provocative actions or rhetoric. During a press briefing, UN Deputy Spokesman Farhan Haq reiterated the need for calm and responsible conduct, implicitly rebuking the inflammatory tone coming from the White House. "My response is the same as what I said earlier, that we want everyone to avoid any actions or rhetoric that can escalate the situation," Haq stated.