Haley says US ‘should not engage in regime change in Iran': ‘Stay focused'
Former U.N. Ambassador Nikki Haley urged President Trump to ensure the U.S. does not get involved with 'regime change' in Iran amid its conflict with Israel.
'The US should not engage in regime change in Iran,' she wrote Wednesday in a post on the social platform X. 'Our focus should only be on our national security. The Iranian regime has threatened the US with nuclear production for years.'
'We should support Israel in eliminating the Natanz and Fordo sites to prevent the threat of an atomic bomb used against us,' she continued. 'The Iranian people should decide who they want to be their leader. That's their decision, not ours. Stay focused.'
Her comments come as the Trump administration weighs its response to the growing tension. Trump has not closed the door on the possibility of the U.S. interceding on behalf of Israel and striking nuclear capabilities in Tehran, reiterating the point in comments to reporters on Wednesday.
'I may do it, I may not do it,' he said, seemingly dodging the direct question. 'I mean, nobody knows what I'm going to do.'
'I can tell you this, that Iran's got a lot of trouble,' the president continued. 'And they want to negotiate. And I say why didn't you negotiate with me before all this death and destruction.'
Conflict between Iran and Israel broke out last week after the latter launched a strike on Tehran's nuclear facilities and missile sites. The attack killed several top leaders and scientists, leading to several days of tit-for-tat strikes between the Middle Eastern rivals.
On Wednesday, U.S. Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee said the U.S. was actively working to evacuate U.S. citizens from the country amid the conflict.
'Urgent notice! American citizens wanting to leave Israel — US Embassy in Israel @usembassyjlm is working on evacuation flights & cruise ship departures,' Huckabee wrote.
Haley has long been a supporter of Israel in its war with Palestinian militant group Hamas — which is backed by Iran — in Gaza. After its initial attack on Tehran, Haley commended the Israeli military for taking action against Ayatollah Ali Khamenei's regime and its nuclear program.
'We have watched for too long the Iranian regime fund terrorist proxies, break all UN agreements, and build up their nuclear program,' Haley posted Friday on X. 'Their mantras have been 'Death to America' and 'Death to Israel.''
'Israel took decisive action to put an end to Iran's nuclear capabilities and made America and the world safer. We owe them a debt of gratitude,' the former GOP presidential candidate added. 'We should continue to pray for a better life for the Iranian people away from this terrorist regime.'
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