Israel and US Privately Seek Iran Regime Change Despite Vague Public War Aims

Both Israel and the United States privately desire regime change in Iran but have avoided stating it explicitly as an official war objective. Israeli officials frame the goal as creating conditions for the Iranian people to take charge of their own destiny, while U.S. messaging remains divided. Vice President Vance emphasized only preventing Iranian nuclear weapons development, while Secretary of State Rubio expressed hope that Iranians can overthrow this government, and Trump urged Iranians to seize this moment and take back their country. Military historian Michael Oren noted fluidity on the American side as a challenge for coordinating Israeli-American strategy.