Israel Not Seeking Iran Regime Change: FM Saar

In a significant statement amid escalating tensions between Iran and Israel, Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar said that Israel has no intention of pursuing regime change in Iran. The remark, seen as an attempt to ease global concerns about a potential full-blown regional conflict, came just days after Israel launched multiple airstrikes on Iranian nuclear facilities and high-ranking military targets.

• Foreign Minister Gideon Saar denies Israeli plans to topple Iran's government.

• The statement follows Israeli strikes on Iranian nuclear and military sites.

• Iran responded with retaliatory missile attacks, heightening tensions.

• Saar says Israel’s actions are aimed at security, not regime change.

• Global powers urge de-escalation and return to diplomatic negotiations.

• Iran cancels nuclear talks with the United States, citing U.S. duplicity.

During a press conference in Tel Aviv, Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar said:

“Let me be clear — Israel has no strategic goal of changing the government in Tehran. Our actions are strictly defensive and focused on neutralizing threats to our national security, especially those posed by Iran’s nuclear ambitions and its support for terrorist proxies in the region.”

This statement appears aimed at reassuring the international community, particularly as Iran and its allies accused Israel of attempting to undermine Iranian sovereignty and provoke regime destabilization.

• The attacks reportedly killed several Iranian commanders and scientists, igniting widespread anger in Tehran.

• Iran responded with retaliatory missile launches, targeting Israeli military outposts.

• This tit-for-tat dynamic sparked fears of an expanded regional war across the Middle East.

• Israel’s goal is to eliminate direct threats such as the development of nuclear weapons by Iran.

• Israel will continue targeting military and strategic infrastructure, not political leadership.

• The country seeks cooperation with international bodies to ensure nuclear non-proliferation in the region.

• Iran’s growing missile arsenal and alleged plans to develop a nuclear bomb.

• Iranian influence through proxy militias in Lebanon (Hezbollah), Syria, Iraq, and Yemen.

• Frequent rocket attacks launched at Israeli cities from Iran-backed factions.

• The U.S. government has expressed support for Israel’s right to self-defense, but also emphasized the importance of de-escalation.

• American officials were reportedly caught off guard by the intensity of the Israeli strikes.

• Iran cancelled nuclear talks with the U.S., accusing Washington of double standards.

• The EU urged both Iran and Israel to exercise maximum restraint.

• EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell called on both sides to return to the negotiating table to avoid regional destabilization.

• Moscow and Beijing have warned against further military escalation, accusing the West of fueling the conflict.

• Both countries have supported Iran's right to self-defense, albeit cautiously.

“By declaring that Israel doesn’t seek regime change, Saar is likely addressing Western allies and reducing the diplomatic fallout. However, this does not rule out continued covert operations or targeted strikes on Iranian infrastructure.”

“This statement might be a smokescreen. Israel has, for decades, pushed for the international isolation of Iran. While military action may not aim for regime change directly, the long-term objective seems aligned with weakening Tehran’s strategic influence.”

Iranian state media dismissed the statement by Saar as “political theater”, with senior Iranian officials reiterating that:

• Israel’s recent attacks were a clear violation of Iran’s sovereignty.

• Tehran reserves the right to retaliate under Article 51 of the UN Charter.

• The diplomatic path is now closed, and Iran will respond militarily if provoked again.

Global hashtags such as #NoWarWithIran, #IsraelIranConflict, and #MiddleEastCrisis are trending.

Many users express concern about the humanitarian consequences of a prolonged conflict.

Pro-Iran rallies were held in Tehran, Beirut, and Baghdad.

Peace demonstrations calling for de-escalation were seen in London, New York, and Berlin.

Many protesters demand an immediate UN Security Council session to halt the violence.

Iran and its allies repeatedly refer to Article 51, which states:

“Nothing in the present Charter shall impair the inherent right of individual or collective self-defense if an armed attack occurs…”

This clause has become the legal backbone for Iran’s justification of retaliation.

While Israel’s declaration that it doesn’t seek regime change in Iran offers a slight diplomatic opening, the actions on the ground tell a different story. The region remains on edge, with military build-up, diplomatic fallout, and global fears of war all intensifying.