Donald Trump said a full-scale invasion of Iran would be 'a waste of time' but expressed support for regime change following the death of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. He suggested Iran should install new leadership that would 'clean out everything' and claimed the United States would have significant influence over who takes power. As Iran’s Assembly of Experts prepares to choose a successor, Mojtaba Khamenei has emerged as a leading contender despite controversy surrounding his potential appointment.

Trump dismissed warnings from Iran’s foreign minister that a ground invasion would be disastrous, arguing that Iran’s military capabilities have been severely weakened. He claimed the Iranian navy and air defenses had been largely destroyed and said military operations would intensify in the coming days. He also called on members of Iran’s Revolutionary Guard, military, and police to surrender in exchange for immunity or face certain death.

The conflict has rapidly escalated across the region. Iran launched waves of drones and missiles at Israel and Gulf states, with strikes reported in Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Qatar, Kuwait, and Azerbaijan. Several civilians were injured, energy infrastructure was hit, and air defense systems intercepted many incoming threats. Meanwhile, Israeli forces said they are advancing to a new phase of operations aimed at further dismantling Iran’s military capabilities, as both sides continue heavy bombardments.