Iranian regime change 'would be the best thing,' Trump says

President Donald Trumpbackedregime changeas the bestoption in Iran, as the U.S. continues to move military assets into the Middle East.

USA TODAY

"Seems like that would be the best thing that could happen," the president said Feb. 13, when he was asked if he wants regime change in Iran. Trump was speaking after a military event at Fort Bragg, North Carolina.

<p style=Anti-government protests in Iran appeared to accelerate on Jan. 9, sparked by anger over the collapse of the country's currency and a broader sense of hopelessness and disillusionment with Tehran's clerical leaders.

The uptick in unrest also comes as President Donald Trump warned Iran's authorities against killing peaceful protesters, saying Washington "will come to their rescue."

See the scenes in Iran, beginning here on the streets amid anti-government unrest in Tehran, Iran, in this still image obtained from social media video released on January 8, 2026. Witnesses told Reuters protesters gathered in the streets on Thursday, January 8, however this video's date taken has not been verified.

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> Protesters gather as vehicles burn, amid evolving anti-government unrest, in Tehran, Iran, in this screen grab obtained from a social media video released on January 9, 2026. People tear down an Iranian flag after it was taken down in Mashhad, Razavi Khorasan Province, Iran, in this still image obtained from a social media video released on January 8, 2026. Date when the video was filmed could not be confirmed. An overturned car and multiple fires burn as protesters chant outside a police station, during Iran's biggest demonstrations in three years over economic hardship, in Azna, Lorestan Province, Iran, in this still image obtained from a social media video released on January 1, 2026. Protesters gather amid evolving anti-government unrest in Tehran, Iran, in this screen grab obtained from a social media video released on January 9, 2026. Witnesses told Reuters protesters gathered in the streets on Thursday, January 8, however this video's date taken has not been verified. People gather on the streets amid anti-government unrest in Tehran, Iran, in this still image obtained from social media video released on January 8, 2026. The date of the videos could not be verified. Witnesses in Tehran told Reuters that protesters gathered in the streets on Thursday, January 8. People gather on the streets during a protest in Mashhad, Razavi Khorasan Province, Iran in this screengrab obtained from a social media video released on January 8, 2026. The date could not be verified but multiple videos verified to Mashhad were posted online on January 8. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi speaks during a press conference in Beirut, Lebanon, January 9, 2026. Burning debris lies in the middle of a street during unrest in Hamedan, Iran on January 1, 2026. The demonstrations erupted after shopkeepers in Tehran's Grand Bazaar shut their businesses to protest the sharp fall of Iran's currency and worsening economic conditions, with clashes reported in several provinces and Iranian media and rights groups saying multiple people were killed in the violence, marking the largest protests to hit the Islamic Republic in three years. A person uses a lighter to set fire to a banner during demonstrations in Hamedan, Iran, on January 1, 2026. The demonstrations erupted after shopkeepers in Tehran's Grand Bazaar shut their businesses to protest the sharp fall of Iran's currency and worsening economic conditions, with clashes reported in several provinces and Iranian media and rights groups saying multiple people were killed in the violence, marking the largest protests to hit the Islamic Republic in three years. Burning debris lies next to an overturned dumpster in the middle of a street during unrest amid demonstrations in Hamedan, Iran, on January 1, 2026. The demonstrations erupted after shopkeepers in Tehran's Grand Bazaar shut their businesses to protest the sharp fall of Iran's currency and worsening economic conditions, with clashes reported in several provinces and Iranian media and rights groups saying multiple people were killed in the violence, marking the largest protests to hit the Islamic Republic in three years. Rocks, tree branches, and a toppled charity box remain on a street during unrest amid demonstrations in Hamedan, Iran, on January 1, 2026. The demonstrations erupted after shopkeepers in Tehran's Grand Bazaar shut their businesses to protest the sharp fall of Iran's currency and worsening economic conditions, with clashes reported in several provinces and Iranian media and rights groups saying multiple people were killed in the violence, marking the largest protests to hit the Islamic Republic in three years. A protester flashes victory signs as traffic slows during demonstrations in Hamedan, Iran, on January 1, 2026. The demonstrations erupted after shopkeepers in Tehran's Grand Bazaar shut their businesses to protest the sharp fall of Iran's currency and worsening economic conditions, with clashes reported in several provinces and Iranian media and rights groups saying multiple people were killed in the violence, marking the largest protests to hit the Islamic Republic in three years. Security forces detain protesters outside a commercial building on Ahmadabad Street in Mashhad, Iran on January 3, 2026. Iran has experienced recurrent waves of protests in recent years driven by political repression, economic hardship, rising living costs, and restrictions on civil and social freedoms, including women's rights. Demonstrations have frequently been met with arrests, heavy security deployments, internet disruptions, and, according to activists and rights groups, the killing of protesters, as authorities move to suppress dissent. People walk down the street, chanting in Farsi, Demonstrators attempt to force a gate open to gain access to a building during a protest in Fasa, Iran, in this still image obtained from a social media video released on December 31, 2025.

See Iran's anti-government protests, huge crowds, unrest in photos

Anti-government protests in Iranappeared to accelerate on Jan. 9, sparked by anger over the collapse of the country's currency and a broader sense of hopelessness and disillusionment with Tehran's clerical leaders.

The uptick in unrest also comes as PresidentDonald Trumpwarned Iran's authorities against killing peaceful protesters, sayingWashington "will come to their rescue."See the scenes in Iran, beginning here on the streets amid anti-government unrest in Tehran, Iran, in this still image obtained from social media video released on January 8, 2026. Witnesses told Reuters protesters gathered in the streets on Thursday, January 8, however this video's date taken has not been verified.

"For 47 years, they've been talking and talking and talking," Trump said. "In the meantime, we've lost a lot of lives while they talk. Legs blown off, arms blown off, faces blown off. We've been going on for a long time."

Earlier in the day, Trump also commented on a U.S. aircraft carrier currently being moved to the region, to join other military military assets that have been moved there in recent weeks.

"In case we don't make a deal, we'll need it," Trump said. "If we need it, we'll have it ready."

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Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei speaks during a meeting in Tehran, Iran, January 17, 2026.

It's not the first time the president has suggested that the removal ofAyatollah Ali Khameneias leader of Iran may be what he prefers. He made a similar comment in aJune 22 post on Truth Social.

"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???" the president posted.

Trump's latest remarks come as U.S. officials areseeking to make a deal with Iranover its nuclear program, and just weeks after the Iranian government responded to protests on its streets with a brutal crackdown,killing thousands.

Contributing: Reuters

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY:Trump backs regime change as 'best thing' in Iran

byDaniel Coleman
in
February 14, 2026

Iranian regime change 'would be the best thing,' Trump says

President Donald Trumpbackedregime changeas the bestoption in Iran, as the U.S. continues to move military assets into th...
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How Jeffrey Epstein used the glamour of the Nobel Peace Prize to entice his global network of elites

STAVANGER, Norway (AP) — Jeffrey Epstein repeatedly played up his ties to the former head of the Nobel Peace Prize committee in invitations to and chats with elites like Richard Branson, Larry Summers, Bill Gates and Steve Bannon, a top ally of President Donald Trump,the Epstein files show.

Associated Press

Thorbjørn Jagland, who headed the Norwegian Nobel Committee from 2009 to 2015, turns up hundreds of times in the millions ofdocuments about the former U.S. financierand convicted sex offender that were released by the U.S. Justice Department last month.

Since the release, Jagland, 75, has been charged in Norway for "aggravated corruption" in connection with an investigation prompted by information in the files, the economic crime unit of Norwegian police Økokrim said.

Økokrim has said it would investigate whether gifts, travel and loans were received in connection with Jagland's position. Its teams searched his Oslo residence on Thursday, plus two other properties in Risør, a coastal town to the south, and in Rauland to the west.

His attorneys at Elden law firm in Norway said Jagland denies the charges, and was questioned by the police unit on Thursday.

While there is no evidence in the documents seen so far of any outright lobbying for the Nobel Peace Prize, Epstein repeatedly played up hosting Jagland at his properties in New York and Paris in the 2010s.

From an 'interesting' guest to subject of banter with Bannon

In September 2018, during Trump's first term and in an apparent allusion to his interest in the peace prize, Epstein had a varied text-message exchange with Bannon, at one point writing — in one of many messages with untidy grammar: "donalds head would explode if he knew you were now buds with the guy who on monday will decide the nobel peace prize."

"I told him next year it should be you when we settle china," he added, without elaborating.

In one email from 2013, mixing in investment tips and praise for PR tips, Epstein told British entrepreneur and magnate Richard Branson that Jagland would be staying with Epstein in September that year, adding: "if you are there, you might find him interesting."

A year after she left a job as White House counsel to President Barack Obama, in 2015,Kathy Ruemmlergot an email from Epstein saying: "head of nobel peace prize coming to visit, want to join?"

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In 2012, Epstein wrote former Treasury Secretary and Harvard University president Larry Summers about Jagland, saying "head of the nobel peace prize staying with me, if you have any interest."

In that exchange, Epstein referred to Jagland — also a former Norwegian prime minister and former head of the Council of Europe, a human rights body — as "not bright" but someone who offered a "unique perspective."

The financier wrote Bill Gates in 2014, saying that Jagland had been reelected as head of the Council of Europe.

"That is good," theMicrosoftco-founder and the world's former richest man, wrote. "I guess his peace prize committee job is also up in the air?"

During Jagland's tenure as chair of the committee, it gave the peace prize to Obama, in 2009, and the European Union in 2012.

Jagland was brought into Epstein's orbit by Terje Rød Larsen, a Norwegian diplomat who helped broker the Oslo Peace Accords between Israel and Palestinians. Larsen and wife are also facing corruption charges in Norway due to their association with Epstein.

Associated Press writer Jamey Keaten in Geneva contributed to this report.

The AP is reviewing the documents released by the Justice Department in collaboration with journalists from CBS, NBC, MS NOW and CNBC. Journalists from each newsroom are working together to examine the files and share information about what is in them. Each outlet is responsible for its own independent news coverage of the documents.

byDaniel Coleman
in
February 14, 2026

How Jeffrey Epstein used the glamour of the Nobel Peace Prize to entice his global network of elites

STAVANGER, Norway (AP) — Jeffrey Epstein repeatedly played up his ties to the former head of the Nobel Peace Prize commit...
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Iran's crown prince says survival of Tehran government 'sends a clear signal to every bully'

MUNICH (AP) — Supporters ofIran's exiled Crown PrinceReza Pahlavirallied on the sidelines of a gathering of world leaders in Germany on Saturday, aiming to crank up international pressure on Tehran.

Associated Press Supports of Iran's exiled Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi attend a demonstration during the Munich Security Conference in Munich, Germany, Saturday, Feb. 14, 2026. (AP Photo/Ebrahim Noroozi) Reza Pahlavi, the son of the former Iranian Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, takes part at the Munich Security Conference in Munich, Germany, on Friday, Feb. 13, 2026. (Marijan Murat/dpa via AP) Supports of Iran's exiled Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi attend a demonstration during the Munich Security Conference in Munich, Germany, Saturday, Feb. 14, 2026. (AP Photo/Ebrahim Noroozi) Reza Pahlavi, son of the former Iranian Shah, attends a press conference at the Munich Security Conference in Munich, Germany, Saturday Feb. 14, 2026. (Marijan Murat/dpa via AP) Supports of Iran's exiled Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi stand under a huge historic Iranian flag as they attend a demonstration during the Munich Security Conference in Munich, Germany, Saturday, Feb. 14, 2026. (AP Photo/Ebrahim Noroozi)

Germany Munich Security Conference

Banging drums and chanting for regime change, the large and boisterous demonstrationin Munichwas part of what Pahlavi described as a "global day of action" to support Iranians in the wake of deadly nationwide protests. Pahlavi also called for rallies in Los Angeles and Toronto.

"Change, change, regime change" chanted the crowd of many thousands of people, waving green-white-and-red flags with lion and sun emblems. Iran used that flag beforeits 1979 Islamic Revolutionthat toppled the Pahlavi dynasty.

Some demonstrators sported "Make Iran Great Again" red caps, mimicking the MAGA caps worn by U.S. PresidentDonald Trump's supporters. Many waved placards showing Pahlavi, some that called him a king. The son of Iran's deposed shah has been in exile for nearly 50 years but istrying to position himselfas a player in Iran's future.

"We have huge hopes and (are) looking forward that the regime is going to change hopefully," said Daniyal Mohtashamian, a demonstrator.

The crowd chanted "Pahlavi for Iran" and "democracy for Iran" as drums and cymbals sounded. Police said at least 15,000 people attended, German news agency dpa reported.

Mohtashamian said he traveled from Zurich, in Switzerland, to speak up for protesters inside Iran who faced repression.

"There is an internet blackout and their voices are not going outside of Iran," he said.

Iranian leaders are already under intense pressure, facing renewedthreats of U.S. military action. Trump wants Iran to further scale back its nuclear program. He suggested Friday thatregime change in Iran"would be the best thing that could happen."

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Iran was also the focus of protests in Munich on Friday,the opening dayof an annual security conference in the city gathering European leaders and global security figures. Supporters of the Iranian opposition group People's Mujahedeen Organization of Iran, also known as the Mujahedeen-e-Khalq, demonstrated againstIran's deadly crackdownon protesters last month.

At a news conference in Munich, Pahlavi warned of the likelihood of more deaths in Iran if "democracies stand by and watch."

"We gather at an hour of profound peril to ask: Will the world stand with the people of Iran?" he asked.

He added that the Iranian government's continued survival "sends a clear signal to every bully: kill enough people and you stay in power."

The U.S.-based Human Rights Activists News Agency says at least 7,005 people were killed in the protest, including 214 government forces. It has been accurate in counting deaths during previous rounds of unrest in Iran and relies on a network of activists in Iran to verify deaths.

Iran's government offered its only death toll on Jan. 21, saying 3,117 people were killed. Iran's theocracy in the past has undercounted or not reported fatalities from past unrest.

The Associated Press has been unable to independently assess the death toll, given authorities have disrupted internet access and international calls in Iran.

AP journalist John Leicester contributed from Paris.

byDaniel Coleman
in
February 14, 2026

Iran’s crown prince says survival of Tehran government 'sends a clear signal to every bully'

MUNICH (AP) — Supporters ofIran's exiled Crown PrinceReza Pahlavirallied on the sidelines of a gathering of world lea...
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Reports: RHP Zac Gallen returns to D-backs on 1-year deal

After testing the open market, right-handed starting pitcher Zac Gallen is re-signing with the Arizona Diamondbacks on a one-year contract, multiple media outlets reported Friday.

Field Level Media

According to The Athletic, Gallen's deal is worth $22,025,000 -- the same value of Arizona's qualifying offer that Gallen rejected. The same report added that $14 million of the salary would be deferred.

Gallen, 30, was coming off his worst full season as a pro. He went 13-15 in 33 starts with a 4.83 ERA, 175 strikeouts and 66 walks. The losses, ERA and walks all marked career-worst numbers.

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Gallen was an All-Star in 2023 and finished third in National League Cy Young Award voting after going 17-9 with a 3.47 ERA, a career-high 220 strikeouts and 47 walks in 34 starts (210 innings).

In 176 career major league appearances (all starts) for the Miami Marlins (2019) and Arizona (2019-25), Gallen is 66-52 with a 3.58 ERA. He finished ninth in NL Cy Young balloting in 2020 and fifth in 2022.

--Field Level Media

byDaniel Coleman
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Reports: RHP Zac Gallen returns to D-backs on 1-year deal

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Wisconsin slays another giant as Badgers roll to 92-71 victory over No. 10 Michigan State

MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Nick Boyd scored 29 points and shot 5 of 7 from 3-point range as Wisconsin trouncedNo. 10Michigan State 92-71 on Friday night, marking the second time in four nights that the Badgers have beaten a top-10 team.

Wisconsin (18-7, 10-4 Big Ten) is the first team to post three wins over top-10 squads this season. The Badgers won91-88at No. 2 Michigan on Jan. 10 and pulled out a92-90overtime victory at No. 8 Illinois on Tuesday.

The Badgers made their first five 3-point attempts in the opening 5 1/2 minutes and never looked back on their way to a surprisingly easy victory that ended with a court storming.

Wisconsin never trailed and led by as many as 24. The Badgers shot 15 of 35 from 3-point range, including 10 of 17 in the first half.

Boyd scored 20 of his 29 points in the first half, while John Blackwell had 19 of his 24 in the second half. Nolan Winter added 10 points and 11 rebounds for Wisconsin.

Coen Carr had 19 points to lead Michigan State (20-5, 10-4). Jeremy Fears Jr. had 14 points and 12 assists, but he shot just 3 of 12 from the floor.

Michigan State trailed 24-14 when Spartans center Carson Cooper landed awkwardly on a drive attempt and briefly left the game. The Badgers outscored Michigan State 8-0 while Cooper was out — completing a 15-0 spurt — and led 32-14 when he got back on the floor two minutes later.

The Spartans cut the margin to nine on a couple of occasions after Cooper returned, but Wisconsin built its lead back up and led 51-34 at the break. The margin never dipped below 15 in the second half.

Up next

Michigan State hosts UCLA on Tuesday night.

Wisconsin visits Ohio State on Tuesday night.

Get poll alerts and updates on the AP Top 25 throughout the season. Sign uphere. AP college basketball:https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-college-basketball-pollandhttps://apnews.com/hub/college-basketball

byDaniel Coleman
in
February 14, 2026

Wisconsin slays another giant as Badgers roll to 92-71 victory over No. 10 Michigan State

MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Nick Boyd scored 29 points and shot 5 of 7 from 3-point range as Wisconsin trouncedNo. 10Michigan St...
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