Khamenei Defiant as Trump Considers Regime Change in Iran
Tehran – Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei has asserted that the United States will fail in any attempt to overthrow the Islamic Republic, even with the deployment of significant military force. His comments, made on Tuesday, February 17, 2026, came in response to remarks by former U.S. President Donald Trump suggesting regime change in Iran would be “the best thing that could happen.” The exchange highlights escalating tensions between Washington and Tehran, and occurs as a new round of negotiations, mediated by Oman, is underway in Geneva.
“The US president said in one of his recent remarks that for 47 years America has been unable to eliminate the Islamic Republic; he complained about it to his own people. For 47 years, America has not been able to eliminate the Islamic Republic. That is a good admission,” Khamenei stated during a meeting with representatives from East Azarbaijan province. “I say: You, too, will not be able to do this.”
Khamenei also challenged Trump’s claims about the strength of the U.S. Military, warning that even the world’s most powerful armed forces are vulnerable. “The strongest army in the world may at times receive such a slap that it cannot rise,” he said. “They keep saying we have sent an aircraft carrier toward Iran. Very well, an aircraft carrier is a dangerous device, but more dangerous than the carrier is the weapon that can send it to the bottom of the sea.”
The Supreme Leader’s statements reach amid heightened rhetoric surrounding military deployments and regional security. This development underscores growing regional instability and the potential for miscalculation.
Khamenei further accused the U.S. Of seeking domination over Iran through threats and demands. “These statements by the US president, sometimes threatening, sometimes saying this must be done or that must not be done, mean they seek domination over the Iranian nation,” he added. He also affirmed Iran’s refusal to align itself with current U.S. Leadership, stating, “Iran will not pledge allegiance to corrupt leaders currently in power in the United States.”
The Supreme Leader also addressed ongoing discussions regarding Iran’s nuclear program, criticizing what he described as a U.S. Attempt to prevent Iran from developing nuclear energy. “They say let us negotiate about your nuclear energy, and the result of the negotiation should be that you do not have this energy,” Khamenei said. “If a negotiation is to take place, and there is no place for negotiation, determining its result in advance is wrong and foolish.”
The announcement could influence future diplomatic talks and the prospects for a renewed nuclear agreement.
Recent reports suggest that even if Trump were to succeed in removing Khamenei from power, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) would remain a significant force within Iran. According to NRC, the IRGC’s influence extends throughout Iranian society and its political system.
Khamenei’s response follows a defiant message issued earlier in February, signaling a firm stance against external pressure. A recent YouTube post showcased the Supreme Leader’s unwavering position.
