So, here's the latest twist in the ongoing saga between the United States and Iran: former President Donald Trump is now saying we've basically accomplished a 'regime change' over there. And not only that, but he thinks the new folks in charge are actually pretty reasonable. It's a whole new ball game, apparently.

Trump made these remarks while traveling on Air Force One, telling reporters that the U.S. and Iran have been talking, both "directly and indirectly." He sounded optimistic about the chance of striking a deal, though he was careful to note that it might not work out. The context, of course, is the recent military strikes that took out Iran's Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, and other top officials. Trump implied the U.S. brought about this change and is now interacting with a "whole different group" of people. "So I think we've had regime change," he said.

He also mentioned that Iran had agreed to certain concessions that, in his view, should have been made a long time ago. One specific gesture he highlighted was an offer of "20 boats of oil" as a token of "respect." He took that as a positive sign. The oil shipment is expected to start rolling out on Wednesday and continue over the next few days.

But Wait, There's Also Talk of Seizing That Oil

In a bit of a mixed message—or perhaps just keeping all options on the table—Trump also told the Financial Times that the U.S. could potentially seize Iran's oil infrastructure, including the key export hub on Kharg Island. He said taking "Iran's oil" would be his preferred option and that the U.S. has multiple moves under consideration.

Meanwhile, on the other side, Iranian officials aren't exactly rolling out the welcome mat. Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf accused the U.S. of hypocrisy, saying it's pursuing talks publicly while preparing for military action behind the scenes. So, the 'reasonable' new leadership might still have some defiant members.

Last week, Trump also floated the idea of joint U.S. and Iranian control of the Strait of Hormuz, suggesting the crucial waterway could reopen soon if talks go well. It's a big strategic carrot to dangle.

Troops Move In as Diplomats Try to Talk

All this talk comes as the U.S. is reportedly sending thousands more troops to the region, including Marines and airborne units that can deploy rapidly on the ground. So, the military posture is still very much a part of the picture.

At the same time, there's a diplomatic push happening elsewhere. Pakistan has offered to host "meaningful" negotiations to help end the U.S.–Israel war on Iran. Regional diplomats from Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and Türkiye met in Islamabad over the weekend to push for de-escalation. Led by Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, the two-day talks aim to find a swift and lasting resolution, with the possibility that future U.S.–Iran discussions could be held in Pakistan. It's a classic case of guns and diplomacy operating on parallel tracks.

So, where does this leave us? Trump is claiming victory on regime change, praising new leaders he calls reasonable, and eyeing both their oil and a potential deal. Iran's response is skeptical, troops are moving, and other countries are trying to broker peace. It's a messy, high-stakes situation with a lot of moving parts—and the former president is right in the middle of it, shaping the narrative from the air.