![Pinterest](https://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=https://tbmnews.net/2026/01/18/trump-calls-for-leadership-change-in-iran-amid-rising-unrest/&media=https://tbmnews.net/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/180613154041-iran-leader-khamenei-e1768712785558.jpg&description=U.S. President Donald Trump has called for a regime change in Iran, asserting that it is "time for new leadership" as nationwide protests continue to rock the Islamic Republic. In a recent interview, Trump labeled Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei an "unwell man," urging him to stop the killing of civilians and focus on governance.){kind=link}
U.S. President Donald Trump has called for a regime change in Iran, asserting that it is “time for new leadership” as nationwide protests continue to rock the Islamic Republic. In a recent interview, Trump labeled Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei an “unwell man,” urging him to stop the killing of civilians and focus on governance.
The rhetoric intensified after Khamenei called Trump a “criminal” and blamed him for the casualties during the protests. According to human rights organization HRANA, over 3,000 people have been killed and 22,000 arrested. In response to potential retaliatory strikes, the U.S. Pentagon is preparing to deploy additional troops, carrier strike groups, and air defense systems to the Middle East. Meanwhile, some non-essential personnel are reportedly being evacuated from major regional bases as security measures tighten.