|
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...
|
Order Jamie Glazov’s new book, ‘United in Hate: The Left’s Romance with Tyranny, Terror, and Hamas‘: HERE.
The apparent eagerness of Trump to make a deal with Iran, leaving in place the current regime, has left many Iranians feeling deceived and disappointed. They are particularly alarmed that his mediators have been talking to the speaker of Iran’s parliament, Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf. More on Ghalibaf can be found here: “Iranians feel ‘deceived, abandoned’ as Trump weighs striking deal with Iran’s old guard,” by Omid Habibinia, The Media Line, March 25, 2026:
As US President Donald Trump spoke of talks with a “senior Iranian official,” whom several media outlets identified as parliamentary speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, concern spread among many Iranians that the Islamic Republic might ultimately remain in power.
Iranian authorities, however, have publicly insisted they will not fall into what they describe as a “deception operation” aimed at presenting Ghalibaf as Washington’s preferred figure to lead the country. They have also warned that any ground offensive or seizure of Iranian islands in the Persian Gulf would carry severe regional consequences.
Iran’s rulers know that twice before, when the U.S. was engaged in negotiations with Iran, the Americans suddenly broke off the talks and attacked Iran. They fear that his dealing with Ghabilaf is designed to buy time while more American forces can be assembled in the Gulf to take part in a ground war, possibly seizing Kharg Island, or even using American forces to seize the 440 kg of uranium enriched to a level of 60% that is believed to be hidden in Isfahan.
Trump described these developments as tantamount to regime change in Iran, something that deeply distresses many opponents of the Islamic Republic who seek the overthrow of the regime.
Apparently unable so far to effect regime change in Iran, Trump has simply declared that such “regime change” is taking place and expects the world to accept his assertion as true.
His remarks on Monday unsettled part of the opposition, particularly those who had framed Israeli and US military action, echoing Reza Pahlavi, as a form of “humanitarian intervention.”
Many Iranians are disappointed by Trump’s apparent willingness to leave the regime in place, even as he says “regime change” has occurred. He is content, apparently, that dozens of Iranian leaders, both military and civilian, have been removed — that is, killed by the IDF — even though others, no different in kind, remain in power. And especially troubling to Iranians is that Ghabilaf, a hard-liner, is the man with whom Trump has decided to negotiate.
Yet for others, the comments have had the opposite effect, reinforcing calls to intensify domestic efforts to revive a grassroots movement against the regime, regardless of whether Israel and the United States pursue negotiation or escalation with Tehran….
While many Iranians are disappointed with Trump’s readiness to deal with the regime, not to overthrow it, some have not given up hope, and are more determined than ever to foment a rebellion from within, whatever the Americans or Israelis (who are much more insistent on real regime change than the Americans) decide.
On Tuesday, Trump reiterated that his administration is negotiating with Iran, that the Islamic Republic wants to reach a deal, and that it is expected to receive a “gift” in return for such an agreement. He also said that the United States is already the winner of this war and stressed that Washington is negotiating with “wise” people in Iran. He even described this development as tantamount to a “regime change” in Iran….
Since the outset of the conflict, Trump has repeatedly suggested that he has individuals in mind for Iran, drawing comparisons with the Venezuela model.
But the Venezuela model, removing only Nicolás Maduro while leaving the other members of his dictatorial regime in place, including Maduro’s former second-in-command who now leads the country, has not brought either democracy or prosperity to the Venezuelans. So far, her continued rule cannot be considered a victory, as Trump appears to believe.
Notably, lists circulated by US officials naming key Iranian figures whose locations were being sought did not include Ghalibaf, nor, more strikingly, Esmail Qaani, the elusive commander of the Quds Force, prompting speculation that the intended interlocutor could be a senior Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) figure with political standing, such as the parliamentary speaker.
Trump’s characterization of the person he contacted, namely Ghalibaf, as a “respected” figure stands in sharp contrast to his reputation among many Iranians. Critics portray him as one of the most controversial figures within the political establishment, citing allegations of systemic corruption and his record in security roles.
His tenure as a senior commander in the IRGC and later as police chief coincided with the violent suppression of the 1999 student protests, events witnessed firsthand by me, as I was present at Tehran University dormitories during the crackdown by paramilitary forces, police, Basij units, IRGC personnel, and, ultimately, special security forces linked to the leadership….
The ”moderates” — a relative term in the Iranian context — who include the current president Masoud Pezeshkian, have been pushed aside; hardliners with a history of working in the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps are in the ascendant, and among the most prominent is Mohammad Bagher Ghabilaf, the man Trump now considers the most worthy of interlocutors. For anyone hoping that the regime might soften its stance, Ghalibaf’s new prominence — pushed by Trump — is most unwelcome.
So far, if we are to believe Trump’s statements, he is willing to accept the regime’s continued existence, and with a hardliner like Ghalibaf as its new supreme leader. No wonder there is that growing feeling among Iranians of being “deceived and abandoned.”
Trump may be so determined to get the Strait of Hormuz opened again, in order that the energy prices go back down and the stock market goes back up, that he is willing to accept what for the people of Iran will be a defeat, but in Trumpian fashion, he will call it victory.
It’s no wonder , at all that the Iranian people feel that they have been betrayed by President Trump. First he promised that he would aid them in overthrowing that tyrannical regime that oppressive and harms them in many ways them so severely,since in would not stop committing mass murder of the Iranian protesters who were only demanding their basic natural human rights.
Then Trump does turns around and is very willing to have “talks” with the representatives of that same tyranny has murdered many Iranian protesters , that he would let those murdering despots remain in power in their same regime if they agree make changes in their agenda .
This certainly has a foil smell of treachery by Donald Trump towards the people of Iran.
In addition ,Trump would then not only be treacherous ,but he would be ignorant gullible and naive if he really would trust any promise made be those lying dictators of to keep their would in anything that they might promise.
“Aid” them is exactly what Trump has done. But he has said REPEATEDLY that regime change is up to the Iranian people. If the Iranians are disappointed, it’s because they heard only what they wanted to hear—a war where Americans die for their freedom. Not happening!
If Iranians want Trump to not be negotiating with whoever is in charge, they have to change who is in charge… their own leadership…themselves. Their leaders are “not our circus, not our monkey.”
Although it’s hard to know for sure, the Iranian people have overtly been disappointing. Both Pres Trump and PM Netanyahu have repeatedly said that the Irianian people have to step up to the plate. Maybe they are providing good intel – but they need to be showing more, otherwise they will lose this opportunity
Trump should have armed the Persians and let THEM take back their country.
America does NOT owe them any more dead U.S. soldiers.
the US military is not there to change the government, the US military is there to destroy irans islamic authoritarian dictatorships ability to make and deliver nuclear weapons.
Trump drove the garbage truck down the street and stopped it outside. It’s up to the Iranians to drag the trash to the curb and throw it into the truck..
It won’t be just the Iranians who will feel betrayed. Israelis too want to see the emergence of a moderate, secular Iran they can reopen relations with. The current regime remaining in place means it will rebuild and remain a threat to its neighbors and to Israel.
Israelis are used to fighting repeated wars with the same adversaries, but never being allowed to defeat them. So each war is referred to as “mowing the lawn”, just reducing the threat to a “manageable” level. If this war, after 2-1/2 years of fighting and sacrifice, does not eliminate the head of the octopus because Trump wants a “deal” that meets a few modest objectives, Israel too will feel betrayed. Perhaps the only way not to let that happen is to continue the fight on its own, albeit at a more limited level, leading to an eventual uprising under Israeli aerial protection.
But Israel is unwilling to participate in using any ground forces in Iran. I realize they are engaged in Lebanon, but I don’t think Trump is going to make much of a ground commitment without allied support. I think he knows that if he does it will destroy any chance conservatives have of maintaining power in the US. How much should we sacrifice for that?
President Trump really should follow through with his original promise to the Iranian people and aid them in overthrowing that h horrendously oppressive maiming and murderous “mullah regime” of Iran.So then they will have a change to establish legitimate ,genuine, government which ensures and respects their basic natural human rights.
If Trump keeps his promise to help the people of Iran obtain their freedom from tyranny since he made that promise its now his duty . For in keeping his word he proves that he’s a man of honor. . In contrast , it he doesn’t keep his promise and therefore breaks his word then he reveals himself to be a liar ,and likewise a man of no honor . Trump would then be inflecting shame on the Office of the Presidency , and the leaders of other nations would know not to trust him to keep his word , even with them.
If we didn’t have such a rotten mainstream media and evil Democrat Party, it would be a lot easier for President Trump to follow through with regime change. I believe the mid-term elections are pressuring the president’s decisions, knowing that a complete regime change would drag this war on for quite some time.
With all due respect to the Persian people, maybe you should take to the streets and fight for your own freedom.
Oh ye of little faith. Trump is the only President in current times who’s done anything sanely with Iran!
Look where we are in just over three weeks.You really think he’s going to give it all back to the mullahs?
I sure hope it can and will happen, but the pressure from within is pointing more to a hit-and-run. Ruin their military and hope the Iranian people can take control for themselves.
What is the expectation of Trump?
How would this “regime change” happen?
Are we to put an occupation force in place? Not a good idea.
It’s like a tumor has been removed, only to discover the cancer has metastasized throughout the body.
This article ducks the issue after banging some war drums. I don’t believe Americans would support an invasion of Iran by our troops. And that’s what would be required to “change the regime”. The EU could care less about the Iranian people and Iran’s neighbors aren’t willing to lift a finger. America has spent more than a century subsidizing Europe only to watch our former allies commit suicide and drift ever closer to Orwell’s 1984. If nothing else, the slaughter of Iranian demonstrators must strengthen our support for our own Second Amendment.
We’re not handing the Iranians a new government. We’re giving them the opportunity to rise up and create their own. They were deceived by the current regime many decades ago into embracing them. Will they stand up for themselves now, or be passive again? Their future is in their hands. Don’t blame us – U.S. – if you don’t take this opportunity to take back your country NOW.
When the Warsaw Ghetto was active Polish Jews somehow managed to acquire weapons and kill Germans.
What is wrong with the Iranians?
I am sure they are disappointed. But if the Iranian people expected Americans were going to fight and die for their freedom, handing it to them on a silver platter, they were smoking a pipe dream. Americans demand a focus on American interests. That ends with disarming a threatening regime, not fighting for the Iranian’s interests. Americans have made a resounding “NO BOOTS ON THE GROUND” mandate, and they want America’s part finished in the anticipated 4-6 week time frame. America has spent billions to set the stage—that is more than the Iranians had a right to hope for. But Trump going any further would destroy his reforms at home. That’s not going to happen without domestic rage.
Trump has ALWAYS said toppling the regime will be up to the Iranian people. That mandate hasn’t changed. Instead of wasting their emotions on being disappointed for unrealistic expectations, they should direct their energy on taking down the regime themselves…or continue living with it, it’s all up to them now.
Donald Trump is not a king. Therefore, he cannot do everything he would like to do.
Whatever else Mr Trump may be, he is not stupid. Leaving people in charge who have the same ideology just means doing the whole thing again a year or two down the line. Going nuclear is the regime’s cherished dream, and there are few things that they will not sacrifice to attain it.
On March 6, 2036, President Trump wrote: “There will be no deal with Iran except UNCONDITIONAL SURRENDER!”
Our President does have some admirable qualities, but he is not quite the solid and consistent leader some of his his supporters think he is.
Once again, DJT is playing “rope a dope”. He purposely says things that are contradictory and people fall for it. In the meantime, no one knows where he really stands on issues until they come about.
President Trump needs to sit down and spend to serious time about that did promise to help the people of Iran achieve freedom since the horrific Islamic tyrannical Islamic regime continue to commit mass murder of the Iranian protesters who are ,rightly , demanding their basic natural human rights, which that horrific Islamic tyranny denies them.
Furthermore,President Trump should not need to be reminded that the Iranian people do have every righteous and just right to rise up and overthrow tyrannical oppressive malicious murderous regime of Iran, and then establish a legitimate government which ensures respects the basic human rights of its citizens.