Donald Trump considers supporting armed groups in Iran
According to American officials, US President Donald Trump does not rule out the possibility of supporting groups in Iran that may take up arms to overthrow the current regime.
On Sunday, Trump held talks with Kurdish leaders. He also continues to maintain contact with other local leaders who could take advantage of Tehran's weakened position.
Kurdish forces have a significant presence along the Iraqi-Iranian border. At the same time, Israel has launched strikes on positions in western Iran, raising speculation about the possibility of Kurdish forces advancing in that direction.
White House press secretary Karolina Levitt said that President Trump had been in contact with a number of regional partners. She did not confirm the specific objectives of these talks.
According to officials, a final decision on supporting anti-government groups in Iran has not yet been made. In particular, it has not yet been determined whether this would involve the supply of weapons, training or the provision of intelligence.
After announcing the start of US and Israeli strikes on Iran, Trump called on Iranians to rise up against the government.
"Take control of your government," he said, adding that "America supports you with overwhelming force and devastating power."
The publication notes that the possibility of supporting armed groups is a broader step than simply calling for an uprising by the population.
On Tuesday, Trump twice shared a Washington Post column on social media that discussed the so-called "Trump doctrine."
The author of the column, Mark Thiessen, wrote that an invasion by American troops is not necessary to change the government in Iran.
"There is no need for US troops to invade. The Iranian people are the troops on the ground," Thissen wrote.
