Elements of the Trump administration are again debating whether the United States should support the downfall of Iran’s government as the war intensifies again, according to a recent analysis. The analysis, published Monday by Financial Times columnist Gideon Rachman, says the discussion reportedly includes efforts to encourage an internal uprising and the possible revival of proposals to support armed Iranian opposition groups, including Kurdish factions that have fought Iran for decades.The question has gained urgency as the United States resumes strikes against Iranian military targets and officials debate whether continued pressure should remain narrowly focused on maritime security or evolve into a broader effort to weaken the Islamic Republic from within.Such a shift would present President Donald Trump with a consequential choice: continue using military and economic pressure to force Iranian concessions, or adopt the far more ambitious objective of helping Iranians remove the Islamic Republic from power.IRAN REQUESTS TALKS WITH US AS WHITE HOUSE WARNS 'VIOLENCE WILL BE MET WITH VIOLENCE'U.S.Central Command said it carried out another wave of airstrikes against Iran on Friday, July 17, 2026.
(CENTCOM)Trump, however, signaled Tuesday that he has not closed the door on diplomacy, saying Iran is seeking talks behind the scenes."They want to meet desperately to try and end it because they’re getting decimated," Trump told reporters during a Tuesday press conference.Asked what talks were possible, Trump said: "They want to desperately meet.And until they’re ready to meet in a meaningful way, we have no interest…" "Honestly, they haven't seen anything yet.
We've been nice," the president added.US OFFICIAL SAYS JD VANCE MADE 'GREAT PROGRESS' IN IRAN TALKS, CALLS SNUB REPORTS 'FOREIGN PROPAGANDA'Based on the latest targets, Iran has been signaling that it is prepared to damage water, energy and transport infrastructure elsewhere in the region, a senior UN...