According to a video posted on Fox News on Sunday, August 9, 2026, Army Special Forces veteran Jim Hansen said Iran’s worsening economic situation could increase pressure on its leadership, while suggesting that the possibility of regime change may eventually become part of the options considered by the Trump administration.
Hansen made the remarks while discussing a Wall Street Journal report which suggested that Iranian officials believe they could withstand pressure from President Donald Trump by causing economic difficulties in the United States ahead of the midterm elections.
According to Hansen, there may be some logic behind Iran’s calculation, as Trump would likely want to avoid major instability in the Middle East that could disrupt global oil supplies and affect energy prices while Republicans seek to retain control of Congress. However, he insisted that Tehran should not assume this political consideration would guarantee a favourable outcome.
“The one thing that hasn’t been said out loud is maybe it’s time for the Iranian regime to end.
“The Islamic Republic has been a problem for that country since 1979. It’s time for the people of Iran to get a better government.”
Hansen argued that after the midterm elections, Trump could have greater freedom to consider a wider range of policy options without concerns about the immediate political impact of military or diplomatic decisions.
He also referred to Iran’s reported proposal to charge vessels passing through the Strait of Hormuz and share the proceeds with Oman. Hansen said the Trump administration strongly opposes any arrangement that would allow Iran to impose such charges on international shipping.
The former Special Forces veteran further pointed to Iran’s difficult economic conditions, noting that the International Monetary Fund had estimated inflation at about 70 per cent. He said the severe economic pressure could place Iran’s leadership in an increasingly challenging position.
Hansen’s comments reflect the growing debate in Washington over how the United States should respond to Iran, with continued economic pressure, diplomacy and broader strategic measures remaining key issues.
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