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.
Wellington says
If any of this hideous Iranian regime remains then it will serve as a classic example of what America has arguably justly been accused of several times, i.e., winning the war but losing the peace.
40 rounds says
Trump really is in a tough spot because evidently the American people are fine with war until we suffer any casualties. Yeah Iran should be free from the awful theocracy but no one is willing to sacrifice themselves in order to eliminate them. We can bomb till the cows come home but that ain’t gonna do it
࿗Infidel࿘ says
Actually, the job of toppling this regime has been mainly borne by the Israelis. The US has been destroying their military assets, which is necessary, but it’s the destruction of the islamic leadership that is key to winning the peace
So far, the Iranians have been indoors on the instructions of Reza Pahlavi, as well as advice from the IDF. It’s very likely that once the war ends or Pahlavi is in Iran, that they will more freely and happily come out. I would not give up on them – yet!
40 rounds says
Yes, but im afraid the Iranian regime can wait it out longer than the Republicans can hold congress
SKA says
“If the White House leaves a wounded beast alive in Tehran, whatever is left of the regime will come back and rebuild its nuclear program, its terrorist infrastructure, and the regime. It will only be a matter of time.”
John Bolton
ploome says
the problem is islam
eradicating this regime would be effective until there is another islamic resurgence
jihad and rust never ends
࿗Infidel࿘ says
Too bad that John Bolton is one of several Republicans who supports the Mujahideen Khalq, which is a cult that combines islam and communism. Pretty much an Iranian version of the PLO
I do hope that CPAC attendees came away more supportive of Reza Pahlavi after he made his case to them for a future for Iran, and support the war effort
Get the job done says
The US and Israelis can’t afford to put boots on the ground. The domestic political risks are too high.
The Iranian people ARE the boots on the ground.
What do the Iranian people need to be successful in overthrowing the regime?
Well trained leaders?
Weapons.- small arms, drones, IEDs?
Intelligence?
Logistics?
Better means of propaganda?
Eradication of selected impediments?
If the Iranian people are not capable of overthrowing the regime at the moment, perhaps an interlude (temporary ceasefire/hudna) is required to prepare and position the Iranian people to overthrow the regime in the future.
Time is of the essence.
After any temporary ceasefire (or hudna), the regime will double or triple their efforts to obtain nuclear weapons and the intercontinental ballistic missile capability to threaten the region, Europe and US. The regime will increase their drone capabilities, as well as ability to threaten the Straits of Hormuz and hide critical leaders, intelligence, and offensive capabilities. They will seek to replace key Air Defence and offensive capabilities. They may be in a position to increase support to their proxies.
The war against the regime will likely resume in the future, with the Iranian regime angry, vengeful and suspicious. And hopefully full of infiltrated spies able to provide up to date intelligence on the regimes’s locations and intentions.
Trump may not be able to overthrow the regime at the moment. But someone needs to. And soon.
Simpleton1 says
“Get the Job Done” :—Many good points made
Can a secure safe place be created for a system to a medical care set up; like maybe a MASH or a hospital ship, so that the wounded, incapacitated can be sorted.
Also a safe place for the Doctors & nurses to their life saving work.
That will give the people some more hope in rising up.
That allows for the survivors to fight again.
For the survivors to tell their story, and bear witness.
It would seem to be motivational.
Patrick says
When will President Trump stop dealing with Islamic terrorists and start dealing with FREEDOM for Iranians?
When will President Trump kickbAl Sharaa out of the White House, shit can the Muslim Brotherhood and CAIR in America, get on the band wagon for stopping/banning Sharia Law in America?
Walter Sieruk says
Yes, you are right with your question “When will President Trump stop dealing with Islamic terrorists and start dealing with FREEDOM for Iranians?”
For it would be completely ludicrous if President Trump actually stop in the war effort for some kind of bogus “truce”, especially since that enemy which is that tyrannical Islamic regime with its despots are almost, as in near, totally defeated.
࿗Infidel࿘ says
I think Iranians are taking Trump too much at face value, when he’s made it clear that during a war, he’s not going to signal his moves. Like his extension of the grace period for not bombing Iranian power plants is just that, and good for Iranians, but none of the other bombing has let up. Today, nuclear facilities at Arak, Khondab and Ardakan were hit by the Israelis
https://www.iranintl.com/en/202603275805
https://www.iranintl.com/en/202603277351
Looks like there’s just one major IRGC leader left, and that the group is all but rudderless
In the meantime, according to Tousi TV, Iran has declared war on Syria, which has been quiet throughout this war. Now that would be a war b/w equals – 2 countries whose air forces have been completely destroyed by the Israelis, one a year ago and one months ago
Walter Sieruk says
President Trump through the US Air Force is defeating that “mullah regime ” of Iran , It makes no sense at all not to finish the job ,as in get it all over with,, the complete elimination ,of that dangerous and oppressive hostile tyrannical Islamic regime once and for all.
This should be accomplished for both the freedom and human rights for the Iranian people ,as well as for the safety and security of all nations and the citizens of those countries around the world.
Billy says
In an Islamic Country, the citizens are under totalitarian control by Islam’s Muslims with deceit, virtue-signaling; discrimination, segregation, violence, and terrorism as taught in Islam’s Qur’an(Qur’an 3:54; 7:99; 9:5, 29, 111; 49:15, etc.). Peaceful Muslims and Violent Muslims are terrorists for Allah in the Quran. Allah in Qur’an 59:13 says, “You[Muslims] are a greater terror in their chests than Allah. This is because they[Jews & Christians] are people who do not understand.”
Allah in Qur’an 8:39 says, “And engage in war with them[Non-Muslims] until there will not be sedition and the religion will be completely to Allah…”
Walter Sieruk says
Let’s hope and pray that President Trump will have the insight and wisdom , not to even attempt to have any negotiations with any ofthe representatives of that horrendously murderous Islamic regime of Iran.
For when World War II was going on and the Third Reich was about to be destroyed , President Harry Truman didn’t consider having negotiations with any of the representatives of Nazi Germany , hoping for a ceasefire and truce . that would have been madness and extreme folly and foolishness on the part of President Truman.
Those depots of that Islamic regime of Iran are as evil as Hitler and his higher ups in the Third Reich.
So it should be with President Trump and have no negotiations of any of official of that wicked tyranny of Iran ,but he should wisely contunie the war until that tyrannical Islamic regime of iran is completerly crushed.
Cynthia says
I think it is Trump’s plan to mislead the Iranians, just like they consistently lie.
Nether trust each other and are playing a long game. I’m counting on Trump to see this through, as a wounded beast is even more dangerous.
James Lincoln says
I believe, at this point, Pres. Trump realizes that he is dealing with total liars with respect to the IRGC “leaders”, etc.
And will deal with them accordingly.
PS:
I hope that I am right…
Donovan Nuera says
Just like expecting the People to overthrow a fanatic well-armed government security force, as such in Cuba, …it is hard when the PEOPLE have been totally UNarmed.
I wonder if can set up clandestine supply line to the Iranians (and Cubans) with captured AK47s, pistols, and a lot of ammo? Airdrops?
Any word yet on Human Right violations by the Mullahs and IRGC again Iranian civilians by the Iranian diplomat on the Human RIghts Council at the UN??
OLD GUY says
How do you remove the leaders and followers of Irans islamic regime?
Is there a non-islamic following in Iran that can govern the country?
࿗Infidel࿘ says
There is a lot of support behind Reza Pahlavi, the son of the former Shah who made a CPAC appearance yesterday. Something like 35% of Iranians support him, another 35 support a republic. Something like 85% of Iranians want a secular democracy, and only 15% are supportive of the islamic regime
Also, only 30-35% of Iranians now are shi’a, and 35-40% muslim of any denomination, including shi’a. In other words, a solid 60% now are non muslim – split b/w Deists, Agnostics and Athiests among non-denominational Iranians, and Zoroastrians, Christians, Jews and Buddhists among the denominational ones. I think the actual number of muslims is even lower than that 40%
OLD GUY says
Thank You for that info. and hope something good can come from this for the people of Iran and the world.
Walter Sieruk says
Only a fool would “dance with the Devi” Does that mean that President Trump is a fool ?
As it has been said “If you dance with the Devil you’re going to get burned.”.
The absurd situation of folly of meeting with and having “talks” with those murderous mullahs and tyrants of the brutal cruel oppressive tyrannical oppressive death -inflecting \Islamic regime of Iran will only result in the treachery of deceit and disaster.
Walter Sieruk says
In any such so called “talks” the officials of that tyranny would only speak half- truths and outright lies.
We need to pray and hope that President Trump will wake up to reality and then immediately reject such “talks.” For Khamenei and those other despots in power in that Islamic tyrannical regime playing that deception tactic of having so called “talks.”
Furthermore, it very important to understand that it’s just far too late for any type of “diplomatic settlement’.” The reason why this is so is because the massive human carnage is so horrendous that those murderous despots of Iran must be brought to justice. Likewise, their tyrannical Islamic regime need to be destroyed.
Last, but no least important, there’s a very old Bible based saying which is “Have no dialogue with the Devil” It’s based on Genesis chapter three in with Eve talks with Satan through the serpent. The result of that dialogue was disaster for Adam and Eve and all of humankind. Likewise, Donald Trump even having any intention of having talks, negotiations, with the Khamenei of any other despot of that Islamic tyranny is the wrong move.
For dictators are sons of Satan and that if President Trump has any wisdom at all. He will call off “talks,” For if Trump goes through with such “negotiations” he might fall for the beguiling lying words with would in a bogus “peace agreement” that would be a disaster for America, a disaster for Israel, a disaster for the Iranian people and a disaster for the world.
Walter Sieruk says
That hoax of those so called US -Iran “negotiations” should worry the government heads of the State of Israel because balderdash “talks” with those deceptive disingenuous and outright lying tyrants of that hostile Islamic tyrannical Islamic regime is just a ploy to stall for time so they can construct and gather the weapons to resupply their jihad stooge terror murder entities, Hamas and Hezbollah, so that they can launch further murderous and destructive Islamic terror attacks in Israel.
Walter Sieruk says
President Trump should absolutely not have “talks “ with those despicable murderous lying despots of Iran ,Trump should instead aid the Iranian patriots in their righteous quest to overthrow that horrendous Islamic tyranny and then have a legitimate , genuine , government that respects and ensures the basic human rights of the people of Iran.
Ralph says
I may be what Rogers and Hammerstein (?) called a “cockeyed optimist” but for now I am going to believe that President Trump is more wily than is immediately apparent. That he has an “ace up his sleeve” to really sock it to the Islamic hierarchy of Iran and return that Islamic hell-hole to a democracy. We will know soon enough.
gravenimage says
Iranians Feel ‘Deceived’ by Trump
………………………………………….
I have a fair amount of sympthy for many Iranians–but like all Muslims. they want the Infidels to do their bidding, and are enraged if they don’t jump to it.