Mark Levin urges US to 'train, arm and support' Iranians to fight against current regime

'We must help liberate the Iranian people, and we can do it. We can do it without our troops on the ground. Without a forever war,' Mark Levin said
Mark Levin suggested that if the US helps Iranians liberate themselves, the nation would never again face a nuclear threat from the Iranian regime (Michael Kovac/Getty Images for Radio Hall of Fame)
Mark Levin suggested that if the US helps Iranians liberate themselves, the nation would never again face a nuclear threat from the Iranian regime (Michael Kovac/Getty Images for Radio Hall of Fame)

WASHINGTON, DC: Mark Levin has called for the United States to back efforts aimed at overthrowing Iran’s current regime without sending American troops into another ground war in the Middle East.

The political commentator made the remarks on Saturday, May 16, as tensions remain high following weeks of fighting involving Iran, Israel, and the US.

Levin argued that the US should actively support Iranians opposed to the government in Tehran while avoiding another long-term military conflict involving American soldiers.



Mark Levin says Iran’s regime ‘must be destroyed’

Levin shared his comments in a strongly worded post on X, where he argued the time had come for direct American-backed support for regime change in Iran.

“We must help liberate the Iranian people, and we can do it,” Levin wrote. “We can do it without our troops on the ground. Without a forever war.”

Mojtaba Khamenei, the son of Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, center, attends the annual Quds, or Jerusalem Day rally in Tehran, Iran, on May 31, 2019. (AP Photo/Vahid Salemi, File)
Mojtaba Khamenei, the son of Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, attends the annual Quds, or Jerusalem Day, rally in Tehran, Iran, on May 31, 2019 (AP Photo/Vahid Salemi, File)

Levin also suggested the US should “train,” “arm,” and “support” Iranians who oppose the current government in Tehran. "And we will never have to worry about nuclear arms from the Iranian regime ever again. Not only that, but the Middle East will also change for the better in ways that we cannot even imagine," he stressed. 

“The regime must be destroyed. The time is now,” Levin said. 

His comments quickly added to the already heated political debate surrounding America’s role in the growing conflict across the Middle East.

Trump sparks debate with shift in Iran nuclear demand

Levin’s comments came as President Donald Trump faced scrutiny over remarks suggesting he could support a temporary suspension of Iran’s nuclear program instead of demanding a permanent shutdown.

Speaking about the ongoing conflict and negotiations involving Iran, the commander-in-chief said he would accept a 20-year suspension of Tehran’s nuclear activities if strong guarantees were included.

“Twenty years is enough, but the level of guarantee from them, in other words, it's got to be a real 20 years,” Trump said.

President Donald Trump speaks to reporters aboard Air Force One, Friday, May 15, 2026, as he returns from a trip to Beijing, China. (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein)
President Donald Trump speaks to reporters aboard Air Force One on Friday, May 15, 2026, as he returns from a trip to Beijing, China (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein)

The remarks drew attention because the Republican leader had previously insisted Iran should permanently stop enriching uranium and never be allowed to continue activities linked to nuclear weapons development.

Trump also warned that his patience with Iran was running out as negotiations continue without a major breakthrough.

The president’s comments indicated what many viewed as a softer approach compared to his earlier hardline position on Iran’s nuclear programme.

Middle East tensions remain high after weeks of fighting

The debate over Iran policy comes after weeks of military conflict involving Iran, Israel, and the US.

Massive Israeli and US air strikes against Iran began on February 28, dramatically increasing tensions across the region.

Although a ceasefire has mostly held since last month to allow negotiations to continue, both sides remain far apart on several major demands.

Pakistan has reportedly been serving as a mediator during discussions, but negotiations continue to face major obstacles.

ARABIAN SEA - APRIL 20: (EDITOR'S NOTE: This Handout image was provided by a third-party organization and may not adhere to Getty Images' editorial policy.) In this handout photo provided by U.S. Central Command, U.S. forces patrol the Arabian Sea near M/V Touska on April 20, 2026, after firing upon the Iranian-flagged vessel that the U.S. accused of attempting to violate the U.S. naval blockade of Iranian ports near the Strait of Hormuz. (Handout Photo by the U.S. Navy via Getty Images)
In this handout photo provided by US Central Command, US forces patrol the Arabian Sea near M/V Touska on April 20, 2026, after firing upon the Iranian-flagged vessel that the US accused of attempting to violate the U.S. naval blockade of Iranian ports near the Strait of Hormuz (Handout Photo by the US Navy via Getty Images)

According to reports from Iranian media, Tehran’s recent proposal included demands for an immediate stop to fighting across all fronts, including attacks linked to Hezbollah in Lebanon.

Iran also reportedly called for an end to the US naval blockade of Iranian ports, along with guarantees that no further attacks would target the country.

At the same time, Trump has insisted Iran must reopen the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most critical oil shipping routes. The ongoing blockade has contributed to rising oil prices worldwide.

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