USA

‘Becoming apparent’ Trump administration won’t be able to change Iran regime

Conservative commentator Bill O’Reilly said Monday that it is becoming increasingly clear that the Trump administration will not be able to replace the Iranian regime as a result of the war.

“The Trump administration clearly sees that they can’t change the regime unless you send 10,000 ground troops into Iran, which will never happen,” O’Reilly told NewsNation’s Leland Vittert on “On Balance.”

“So we think we’re going to get a deal; the deal will be for inspectors to check that they’re not enriching uranium, they’re not enriching ballistic missiles and a lot of other things, in exchange for easing economic sanctions on Iran,” he added.

On Monday, President Trump said American attacks on Iran’s energy infrastructure would be halted for five days after “very good” and “productive” talks with Iranian leaders. Trump said on the Truth Social platform that the United States and Iran “have been engaged in discussions regarding a complete and total resolution of our hostilities in the Middle East” “over the past two days.”

Iran has denied talking to the United States but has reached out to third countries to try to end the war.

The US-Israeli conflict against Iran is approaching a month old, and many Americans disapprove of the operation. In a new CBS/YouGov poll, 60 percent were against the conflict, with 40 percent in support.

Trump sees an opportunity for a deal with Iran, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Monday after a phone call between the leaders.

“President Trump believes that there is an opportunity to leverage the tremendous successes we have achieved together with the US military to achieve the goals of the war through an agreement that will protect our vital interests,” Netanyahu said on social platform X.

Netanyahu reportedly hopes that attacks on Iran will encourage regime change and is trying to convince Trump that such a revolution is possible. However, Trump was evasive about whether the current Islamic regime should remain in place after the war.

While Trump initially called on Iranians to rise up after the war is over, he has recently downplayed the possibility of an overthrow, given that violence is sure to come with anti-government protesters.

Trump suggested it would be OK for the United States to work with elements of the current regime willing to meet American demands for reform and reduce nuclear and military threats.

Special envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner are reportedly leading U.S. efforts to initiate dialogue with Iran to end the war; At the same time, Trump is sending thousands of additional troops to the Middle East, considering a possible operation to seize control of Kharg Island, a major Iranian oil hub.

Although Iran denies participating in the negotiations, the person directing its diplomacy is reportedly the Speaker of the Iranian Parliament, Mohammed Bagher Galibaf.

Head to The Hill for the latest news, weather, sports and streaming video.