Matthew Gould outlines requirements for regime change in Iran

Matthew Gould, a former British ambassador to Israel and former deputy ambassador to Iran, argues in a Washington Post op-ed that five essential factors must occur simultaneously to achieve regime change in Iran. He emphasizes that rhetoric from Donald Trump alone is insufficient for such a transition.

Gould notes that the Islamic Republic and the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps have demonstrated a ruthless determination to maintain power, surviving significant challenges including widespread protests and military strikes. He highlights that the government has successfully navigated major crises, such as the intense protests beginning in January 2026, which involved strikes by Tehran's bazaar merchants.

Furthermore, Gould suggests that for any successful transition, the U.S. government must develop a comprehensive plan for the post-regime era to ensure stability.