Trump threatens regime change in Iran with chilling ‘MIGA' social post following bombings
Donald
Trump
chillingly
alluded to a "regime change"
in
Iran
as he suggested that one would "MAKE IRAN GREAT AGAIN."
In a Truth Social post on Sunday afternoon, the U.S. president wrote, "It's not politically correct to use the term, 'Regime Change,' but if the current Iranian Regime is unable to MAKE IRAN GREAT AGAIN, why wouldn't there be a Regime change??? MIGA!!!"
The post comes after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu hinted at a plan to assassinate Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei in several interviews last week following his
strikes on Iran
.
Read More
Related Articles
Donald Trump dementia fears spike after 'symptom' spotted in President's suit
Read More
Related Articles
JD Vance faces huge backlash for bringing 'uncontrollable kids' to Trump parade
Experts, however, worry that such an assassination could create even more unrest in a region deeply afflicted by it. Khamenei fears that, too, and has already made provisions for the event of his assassination.
Wary of such a possibility, Khamenei now only speaks to his commanders through a trusted aide and has suspended electronic communications in order to make it more difficult to find him, according to three Iranian officials familiar with his emergency war plans, who spoke to The New York Times.
He's now holed up in a bunker, and he's reportedly picked an array of potential replacements down his chain of command in the event that more of his lieutenants are killed.
Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei threatened "irreparable damage" to America
(Image: KHAMENEI.IR/AFP via Getty Images)
Khamenei has already named three senior clerics as candidates to succeed him, too, the officials said, in the event that he's assassinated. It's been described as a remarkable move and one that illustrates just how precarious his situation is — this could be the end of his three decades of rule.
The entire point of Khamenei's work is to preserve the Islamic Republic, which is in danger of collapsing amid the airstrikes and surprise attacks launched by Israel — and now, the U.S., too — over the past couple of weeks.
The strikes are the biggest assault on Iran since its war with Iraq back in the 1980s, and the effect has been detrimental to the nation's capital, Tehran. The Israeli attacks have reportedly been much more intense and have caused more damage in Tehran than Saddam Hussein did during his entire eight-year war against the country.
Iran overcame the initial shock from the attacks, however, and has been able to reorganize enough to launch daily counterstrikes against Israel, striking a hospital, the Haifa oil refinery and religious buildings and homes.
But when the U.S. entered the war, things changed. Trump announced late Saturday that the U.S. had deployed B-2 bomber jets to strike three of Iran's nuclear sites — including its uranium-enrichment facility deep underground at Fordow.
"Our objective was the destruction of Iran's nuclear enrichment capacity and a stop to the nuclear threat posed by the world's No. 1 state sponsor of terror," Trump said in an address to the nation on Saturday night.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
RTÉ News
an hour ago
- RTÉ News
Attack on Damascus church kills at least 22
A shooting and bombing at a Damascus church during a packed service killed at least 22 people, authorities said. The international community condemned the attack, the first of its kind in the Syrian capital since Islamist-led forces toppled long-time ruler Bashar al-Assad in December. It was also the first inside a church in Syria since the country's civil war erupted in 2011, according to a monitor. Security remains one of the greatest challenges for Syria's new authorities, with the international community repeatedly urging them to protect minorities. AFP correspondents saw first responders transporting people from the Orthodox church as security forces cordoned off the area. The church itself was strewn with wood from fittings and pews and fallen icons on the floor. "An attacker affiliated with the Daesh (IS) terrorist group entered the Mar Elias Church in the Dwelaa area," an interior ministry statement said. State news agency SANA, citing the ministry of health, reported a death toll of 22, with 63 injured. Lawrence Maamari, who was inside the church when the attack happened, told AFP a man had entered and begun shooting. People "tried to stop him," he added. Ziad Helou, 40, who was at a shop nearby, said he heard gunfire then an explosion, and saw glass flying. "We saw fire in the church and the remains of wooden benches thrown all the way to the entrance," he said. 'Heinous crime' The blast sparked panic and fear in the church, which had been full of worshippers, including children and the elderly, eyewitnesses said. Families were still searching desperately for missing loved ones. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said it was the first attack inside a church in Syria since war erupted in 2011. Other churches had been damaged or seen attacks in their vicinity during the conflict, but none had been so directly targeted. The Orthodox patriarchate in Damascus called on "the authorities to bear full responsibility for what has happened and is happening concerning the violation of the sanctity of churches, and to ensure the protection of all citizens". Syria's Christian community has shrunk from around one million before the war to under 300,000 due to waves of displacement and emigration. The United Nations special envoy for Syria Geir Pedersen expressed "outrage at this heinous crime", calling for a full investigation. US special envoy Tom Barrack said the US supported Syria "as it fights against those who are seeking to create instability and fear in their country and the broader region". Turkey, which is close to the new authorities, expressed confidence that Syrians would stay united in "their fight against terrorist organisations that seek to sow chaos in the country". France's foreign ministry restated its commitment to "a transition in Syria that allows Syrians, whatever their religion, to live in peace and security in a free, united, pluralistic, prosperous, stable and sovereign country". Egypt's Al-Azhar called it a "blatant assault on the right to life" and worship. Investigation Syria's foreign ministry described the attack as "a desperate attempt to undermine national coexistence and to destabilise the country". Mr Assad had portrayed himself as a protector of minorities, who during Syria's nearly 14-year civil war were targeted by numerous attacks - many of them claimed by jihadist groups including IS. Since the new authorities took power, the international community has urged the government to protect minorities and ensure their participation in Syria's transition, particularly after sectarian violence in recent months. Interior Minister Anas Khattab said that specialised teams had begun investigating. "These terrorist acts will not stop the efforts of the Syrian state in achieving civil peace," Mr Khattab said, according to a statement. In an interview earlier this month, Mr Khattab said that IS had shifted "to studied attacks on strategic targets" and had attempted "to carry out attacks against the Christian and Shiite community" that the authorities had thwarted. Last month, IS claimed its first attack on Syria's new government forces. Authorities said they had arrested members of an IS cell near Damascus, accusing them of preparing attacks. IS seized large swathes of Syrian and Iraqi territory in the early years of the civil war, declaring a cross-border "caliphate" in 2014 before being territorially defeated in 2019.
Irish Examiner
3 hours ago
- Irish Examiner
Trump says he is open to regime change in Iran
President Donald Trump has called into question the future of Iran's ruling theocracy, seemingly contradicting his administration's earlier calls to resume negotiations and avoid an escalation in fighting. 'It's not politically correct to use the term, 'Regime Change,' but if the current Iranian Regime is unable to MAKE IRAN GREAT AGAIN, why wouldn't there be a Regime change???' Mr Trump posted on social media. 'MIGA!!!' The posting on Truth Social marked something of a reversal from defence secretary Pete Hegseth's Sunday morning news conference that detailed the aerial bombing on three of the country's nuclear sites. 'This mission was not and has not been about regime change,' Mr Hegseth said. "The damage to the Nuclear sites in Iran is said to be 'monumental.' The hits were hard and accurate. Great skill was shown by our military. Thank you!" –President Donald J. Trump — The White House (@WhiteHouse) June 22, 2025 Secretary of state Marco Rubio warned on Fox News that any retaliation against the US or a rush toward building a nuclear weapon would 'put the regime at risk'. Mr Trump's warning to Iran's leadership comes as the US has demanded that Iran not respond to the bombardment of the heart of a nuclear programme it spent decades developing. The Trump administration has made a series of intimidating statements even as it has simultaneously called to restart negotiations, making it hard to get a complete read on whether the president is simply taunting an adversary or using inflammatory words that could further widen the war between Israel and Iran that began earlier this month. Up until the president's post on Sunday afternoon, the coordinated messaging by Mr Trump's vice president, Pentagon chief, top military adviser and secretary of state suggested a confidence that any fallout would be manageable and that Iran's lack of military capabilities would ultimately force it back to the bargaining table. Mr Hegseth had said that America 'does not seek war' with Iran, while Vice President JD Vance said the strikes have given Tehran the possibility of returning to negotiate with Washington. But the unfolding situation is not entirely under Washington's control, as Tehran has a series of levers to respond to the aerial bombings, which could intensify the conflict in the Middle East with possible global repercussions. Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth speaks during a news conference at the Pentagon on Sunday (Alex Brandon/AP) Iran can block oil being shipped through the Strait of Hormuz, attack US bases in the region, engage in cyber attacks or double down on a nuclear programme might seem like more of a necessity after the US strike. Mr Trump, who had addressed the nation from the White House on Saturday night, returned to social media on Sunday to lambast Republican Congress member Thomas Massie, who had objected to the president taking military action without specific congressional approval. 'We had a spectacular military success yesterday, taking the 'bomb' right out of their hands (and they would use it if they could!)' Mr Trump said as part of the post on Truth Social. At their joint Pentagon briefing, Mr Hegseth and Air Force General Dan Caine, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, said 'Operation Midnight Hammer' involved decoys and deception, and met with no Iranian resistance. General Caine indicated that the goal of the operation — destroying nuclear sites in Fordo, Natanz and Isfahan — had been achieved. 'Final battle damage will take some time, but initial battle damage assessments indicate that all three sites sustained extremely severe damage and destruction,' he said. An electronic billboard beams an image of president Donald Trump alongside the message 'Thank you, Mr. President' referring to the US involvement in the war between Israel and Iran (Bernat Armangue/AP) While US officials urged caution and stressed that only nuclear sites were targeted by Washington, Iran criticised the actions as a violation of its sovereignty and international law. Iran's foreign minister Abbas Araghchi said Washington was 'fully responsible' for whatever actions Tehran may take in response. 'They crossed a very big red line by attacking nuclear facilities,' he said at a news conference in Turkey. 'I don't know how much room is left for diplomacy.' China and Russia, where Araghchi was heading for talks with President Vladimir Putin, condemned the US military action. The attacks were 'a gross violation of international law,' said Russia's Foreign Ministry, which also advocated 'returning the situation to a political and diplomatic course.' A Turkish Foreign Ministry statement warned about the risk of the conflict spreading to 'a global level'. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said the United Kingdom was moving military equipment into the area to protect its interests, people and allies. His office said he talked on Sunday with Mr Trump about the need for Tehran to resume negotiations, but Mr Trump would have posted his remarks about regime change after their conversation. The leaders of Italy, Canada, Germany and France agreed on the need for 'a rapid resumption of negotiations.' France's Emmanuel Macron held talks with the Saudi Crown Prince and the Sultan of Oman.
Irish Examiner
3 hours ago
- Irish Examiner
Is Ireland sliding into a gerontocracy where the older generation dominates?
A gerontocracy is a system where the elderly hold sway, governing by and for their own interests. The concept traces back to the classical period, with Plato describing a society where 'the elder man rules, and the younger submits.' In Sparta, the Gerousia, a council of elders including two kings and nearly 30 elite full-citizen men of the city state of Sparta over 60, wielded significant judicial and legislative power, embodying this structure. The term 'senate' derives from the Latin senex, meaning old man. From antiquity to today, gerontocracy persists in places such as China, where CCP leaders seldom retire before their late 80s, perhaps adhering to that Confucian adage that 'when you meet someone older, you must respect and submit to that person's wisdom and power because he must have come across problems you encounter'. Perhaps the most vivid example of modern gerontocracy is in the world's superpower the United States where an octogenarian and septuagenarian candidate dominated the field during the last presidential election in a country where the average age is 38. Polling showed that many voters in the US were uneasy with 81-year-old Donald Trump and 78-year-old Joe Biden, before being replaced by his 60-year-old vice president Kamala Harris, as the two early nominees with age a major factor in their discontent. Beyond the executive branch, the second branch of government - the legislative - is dominated by elders. The current Senate is the second oldest, with an average age of 63, and the House of Representatives is the third oldest, averaging 57 years of age, since the foundation of the US Congress in 1789. It was president Ronald Reagan who, at the ripe old age of 78, in 1984 said he would not make age an issue during his presidential campaign against Walter Mondale. But while candidates may not make age an explicit issue during the campaign it certainly dominates their time in office. Currently, about a third of the federal budget is dedicated to Social Security and Medicare payments which benefits those over 60, who make up less than 20% of the US population. These costs are mainly borne by young workers and employers even as older generations are financially better off than younger cohorts. Talk of cuts to such programmes are usually met with voter rage as candidates and office holders alike walk a tightrope in accommodating older voters and promising to balance budgets. Aside from international examples, Ireland offers a closer look at gerontocratic rule. A recent study carried out by the Electoral Commission reveals the older generation's outsized influence on Irish elections. Titled the National Election & Democracy Study General Election 2024, the findings, carried out by Red C, indicates that 90% of those aged 65+ voted in last year's general election. But while the older generation enthusiastically headed to polling stations in their droves, young people, for the most part, stayed at home - their parents' home, that is. Housing between the generations Housing, the top electoral issue, underscores this divide. While voters express frustration with the crisis, 89% of those who turned out to vote are homeowners, with two-thirds reporting stable or improved economic conditions. Since the Troika's exit in 2013, house prices have doubled, boosting wealth for homeowners — mostly older generations. Meanwhile, wages, especially for younger people, have lagged, rising just 27% since the crash from 2013-2022. The ESRI highlights Ireland's stark generational homeownership gap: nearly 80% of those over 40 own homes, compared to just a third of those under 40. In 1993, 70% of 25-34-year-olds were homeowners; by 2016, 60% of this group were renters, and the 2022 census showed over two-thirds of 18-34-year-olds still living with their parents - way above the EU average. With 30% of Ireland's population aged 18-39, the over-40 cohort, around 10% larger, dominates both homeownership and voter turnout. Despite desperate attempts by the Millennial 'TikTok Teesh' Simon Harris to appeal to the youth, the 34th Dáil's power rests on older homeowners' support. This influence is reflected in government policy. Pensions In 2020, nearly every party opposed raising the state pension age from 66, with Sinn Féin, popular among under-65s, pledging to lower it to 65. A post-election Commission on Pensions recommended gradually raising the age to 67 by 2031. With the average life expectancy standing at 87, it only makes sense that the pension age rise concurrently. Yet the government, seemingly wary of older voters, rejected the recommendation, offering higher pensions for those retiring at 70 and proposing PRSI hikes — largely borne by younger workers. With birth rates declining and the worker-to-pensioner ratio projected to drop to 2:1 by 2050, PRSI costs will likely climb, further impacting working age people. Pensions, like housing, favour the old. Only 30% of 20-24-year-olds have some sort of pension plan, compared to over 70% of 45-54-year-olds, often tied to property wealth. Maybe the government's refusal to raise the pension age is informed by the last time geriatric rage was elicited. Following the crash, and the imposition of brutal austerity, the Fianna Fáil-Green-PD government did away with the automatic entitlement for over 70s to free healthcare and a medical card. This sparked major protests with opposition leaders, including Fine Gael's Enda Kenny and Labour's Eamon Gilmore, addressing some demonstrators. Fearing the electoral repercussions, the coalition government backtracked on their plans but ploughed ahead with gruelling cuts for mainly younger, working-age people. Shortly after the crash, Ireland registered one of the highest unemployment rates among those aged 15-24 at over 40%. Many young people emigrated — nearly 10% during the recession — rather than protest. The housing trap Housing remains the starkest indicator of youth disenfranchisement. Average rents now exceed €2,000 monthly, and post-crash rules requiring 10-20% deposits trap young people in a cycle of paying more in rent than a mortgage would cost. House prices are seven times the average income, compared to 1.5 times in the 1980s. A new report from the Central Bank of Ireland found that the wealthiest 10% of households held just below half of the total net wealth in 2024 mainly due to high house prices. According to the bank, Irish households have financial assets worth €570bn. For them, rising house prices are a positive development with politicians equally richly rewarded at the ballot box. When Mary Lou McDonald proposed lowering house prices to €300,000, her party was accused of recklessness. Fine Gael Senator John Cummins warned: 'We'd see our construction sector and economy crash.' Similar sentiments were echoed by then Taoiseach Leo Varadkar when he stated that "one person's rent is another person's income" when voicing his opposition to rent caps. Such Freudian slips reveal how politicians view housing: as an asset whose rising price must be maintained in order to satisfy the equity of a homeowners' property and yields for a landlord. Meanwhile, those desperate to get onto the property ladder and stuck paying gargantuan rents are left scraping by and politically unrepresented. Independent TD Barry Heneghan, at just 27 years of age, is one of the youngest candidates to sit in the current Dáil. Photo: Sam Boal/Collins Photos While some younger candidates did manage to get elected during the last general election, including Barry Heneghan at age 27, the spectre of career politician and septuagenarian Michael Lowry giving Paul Murphy the two fingers in the Dáil chamber as the new government was formed could not have shown more clearly whose interests they will represent. Minister of state for international development and the diaspora, Neale Richmond, recently mentioned that Ireland's greatest export was its people. With 70% of young people in Ireland contemplating emigration, you can expect bumper figures for exports in the future if this situation continues. The fissures between old and young are widening with housing causing the rupture and youth despair filling the crevice. Going back to first principles and re-examining who housing policy should represent and what the purpose of a home is would go a long way in stabilising that societal chasm.
