During a speech in North Carolina, U.S. President Donald Trump expressed that a regime change in Iran would be the 'best thing' that could happen, amid ongoing nuclear talks between the U.S. and Iran. He indicated the dispatch of a significant aircraft carrier group toward Iran, emphasizing the difficulty of reaching a deal with the Iranian regime. Trump reflected on his previous optimism about negotiating an agreement and noted that both parties now share regret that a deal did not materialize.

Reports from Reuters suggest that the U.S. military is preparing for a potential military operation against Iran that could last several weeks. Two U.S. officials mentioned that if Trump were to order an attack, it could escalate into a larger conflict than previously experienced. The Pentagon is reportedly planning to deploy another aircraft carrier, fighter jets, guided missile destroyers, and thousands of additional troops to the Middle East, aimed at both offensive and defensive preparations.

Trump's comments and the military buildup demonstrate a significant shift in U.S. posture toward Iran, raising concerns over the potential for military engagement in the region. As tensions rise around the nuclear negotiations, Trump's statement about the necessity of fear in influencing outcomes underscores the precarious nature of international relations and the potential for conflict in the Middle East.