John Thune backs regime change as Trump mulls Iran strike

Published February 26, 2026 12:34pm ET



The Senate’s top Republican is calling for regime change in Iran as President Donald Trump weighs a range of military options to rein in Tehran’s nuclear ambitions.

“In my view, if you’re going to do something there, you better well make it about getting new leadership and regime change,” Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-SD) told reporters on Thursday.

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