President Donald Trump has reignited speculation about regime change in Iran, publicly asking on Truth Social when Iranians would "rise up and fight" against their government. The comments come as his administration ramps up military and economic pressure on Tehran, with officials increasingly framing the Iranian government as nearing collapse, though the White House has not confirmed any formal regime-change policy.

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent described Iran as being in a "death spiral," suggesting the country could face internal fracturing within the Revolutionary Guard, a popular uprising, or a return to negotiations. Analysts including Miad Maleki of the Foundation for Defense of Democracies argued Washington should focus on economic containment and support for Iranian protesters rather than military invasion, while noting Iran's leadership is at its weakest since the 1979 revolution. The exiled opposition group National Council of Resistance of Iran reported demonstrations in several cities on 31 August over unpaid wages, inflation and fuel shortages, including alleged shootings of job seekers, though these claims have not been independently verified.