Ayatollahs in Iran having sleepless nights? Experts say Trump will put maximum pressure and try to topple the regime

Experts have warned that Iran's leaders should sleep with one eye open following Donald Trump’s re-election to the White House, anticipating a more aggressive stance toward Tehran. With regional tensions in the Middle East rising, Trump is expected to prioritize stability, security, and a "maximum pressure" strategy against Iran, continuing his previous approach of backing Israel while confronting Tehran's proxies.

Since the October 7 Hamas attacks, the conflict between Israel, its allies, and Iran-backed forces has escalated. Experts predict that Trump will bring a pragmatic, yet unpredictable approach to Middle Eastern diplomacy, reinforcing Israel's position in the region. Dr. Alan Mendoza, executive director of the Henry Jackson Society, stated, "Iran’s leaders should sleep with one eye open," pointing to Trump's earlier efforts to weaken Iran’s economy and support for Israel’s security.

In addition to targeting Iran’s military infrastructure, Trump is expected to confront regional actors like Hezbollah and the Houthis, positioning himself as an ally to Israel and Sunni Arab states. While Iran downplayed Trump's return, calling U.S. policy unchanged, analysts caution that the return of the unpredictable former president could signal more confrontations.


Both Dr. Mendoza and Professor Ashok Swain, an expert in peace and conflict research, agreed that Iran and Gulf countries would need to be cautious under Trump’s leadership. Trump’s previous policies—such as withdrawing from the Iran nuclear deal and imposing crippling sanctions—are likely to intensify in a second term.

Trump’s potential to broker peace in the region remains uncertain, though his past efforts, including the Abraham Accords, suggest that he may push for new diplomatic breakthroughs. Boaz Bismuth, an Israeli parliament member, noted that Trump’s re-election offers a chance to expand the Abraham Accords, ensuring stability once the ongoing conflicts in Gaza and Lebanon subside.

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