He has previously backed off full-throated calls for a change of Government in Iran, warning it could cause chaos, although he has made threats towards Khamenei in the past. ‘Terribly difficult’When Iran began its crackdown on protests last month, which rights groups say killed thousands, Trump initially said the United States was “locked and loaded” to help demonstrators. Videos verified by AFP showed people in Iran this week chanting anti-Government slogans as the clerical leadership celebrated the anniversary of the Islamic revolution. Iran and the United States, which have had no diplomatic relations since shortly after the revolution, held talks on the nuclear issue last week in Oman. The Norway-based Iran Human Rights NGO said “hundreds” of people were facing charges linked to the protests that could see them sentenced to death.

Source: New Zealand Herald February 14, 2026 12:16 UTC