President Trump Threatens Expanded Strikes on Iran as U.S. Intelligence Doubts Regime Collapse

U.S. President Donald Trump announced Saturday that the United States may expand its military strikes against Iran, warning that the country will be “hit hard today. ”In a post on his Truth Social platform, Trump claimed that Iran is under heavy pressure from ongoing military operations conducted by the United States and Israel. According to the president, Iranian leaders are now seeking a way to end the confrontation.

“Iran has apologized to its Middle Eastern neighbors and promised not to shoot them again,” Trump wrote. “This promise was only made because of the relentless attack by the U.S. and Israel.”

Trump further claimed that Iran had lost its regional dominance, stating that the country was no longer the “bully of the Middle East” but had instead become “the loser,” adding that it would remain in that position “until it surrenders — or collapses completely.”

He also warned that additional strikes were being considered against targets that had not previously been attacked, saying such actions could lead to “destruction and certain death” if Iran’s behavior continues.

U.S. Naval Forces Move Toward the Region

Meanwhile, U.S. military deployments in the region appear to be expanding. According to reports by Fox News, the aircraft carrier USS George H. W. Bush has departed for the Middle East.

Two additional American aircraft carriers are already operating in the region, signaling a possible escalation in military activity.

Trump: “No Deal With Iran, Only Unconditional Surrender”

Speaking a day earlier, Trump said Washington was no longer pursuing negotiations with Tehran.

“There will be no deal with Iran, only unconditional surrender,” he said.

The president added that once Iran surrenders, a new leadership could emerge through elections and that international partners would assist in rebuilding the country’s economy.

“Iran will have a great future,” Trump said.

In an interview with CNN, Trump also indicated he would not necessarily insist on a democratic government in Iran. When asked about the possibility of a religious leader leading the country, he said it would depend on the individual.

“We need a leader who is fair and just and who will do an excellent job,” Trump said, adding that such a leader must maintain good relations with the United States, Israel and other regional partners.

U.S. Intelligence: War Wouldn't Topple Iranian Regime

Despite the increasingly aggressive rhetoric, a classified assessment by the U.S. National Security Council suggests that even a large-scale war may not lead to the collapse of Iran’s ruling system.

According to a report cited by The Washington Post, the intelligence assessment — completed roughly a week before the launch of the Israeli-American strikes — examined potential scenarios for regime change.

The report concluded that even if Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei, were killed, the political system would likely move quickly to appoint a successor through established mechanisms designed to preserve the ruling clerical structure.

"Kurdish Militia Activity Near Iranian Border"

Separately, three sources familiar with the matter told Reuters that Israel had reportedly carried out airstrikes in western Iran aimed at assisting Iranian-Kurdish militias seeking to seize territory near the border.

According to the sources, militia forces had consulted with the United States regarding potential attacks on Iranian security forces. Thousands of fighters were said to be gathering on the Iraqi side of the border and preparing for possible operations inside Iran within the coming week.

Reuters noted, however, that it was unable to independently verify the claims.

Two Kurdish sources also told the agency that Israel had held discussions with forces in Iraqi Kurdistan over the past year. An Israeli source confirmed contacts had taken place but said they had occurred over a “long period of time.”

Israel Declines to Comment

Neither the Israeli government nor the Israel Defense Forces has publicly commented on the reports. Israel has also not formally responded to allegations of involvement in Kurdish militia activity inside Iran.

The developments come amid rising tensions across the region as military operations and diplomatic pressure against Tehran continue to intensify.