President Trump says deploying US ground forces to Iran is not currently under consideration, dismissing Tehran’s warnings as he pushes for regime change.

WASHINGTON: President Donald Trump said it would be a “waste of time” to currently consider sending US ground troops into Iran.

He dismissed the Iranian foreign minister’s warning that such an invasion would be disastrous for the attackers.

“It’s a waste of time. They’ve lost everything. They’ve lost their navy. They’ve lost everything they can lose,” Trump told NBC News by telephone.

He described Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi’s earlier remark that Iran was ready for a US or Israeli ground invasion as a “wasted comment.”

Trump also indicated he is keen to see Iran’s leadership structure removed.

He stated the US wants to “go in and clean out everything” quickly, not wanting a prolonged rebuilding process over a 10-year period.

Trump said he had ideas for a new leader for Iran but declined to name anyone.

He previously stated he would “have to be involved” in appointing Iran’s next leader after US-Israeli strikes killed Ayatollah Ali Khamenei when the conflict began.

Heavy attacks were reported in Tehran after Israel said it was hitting “regime infrastructure” in a “new phase” of the war it launched with the US against Iran.

 The Sun Malaysia