Iran not an 'evil regime', US ambassador Tom Barrack says
Tom Barrack, the US ambassador to Turkey, sparked controversy on Tuesday when he said Iran's government was "not an evil regime", an assessment that goes against years of messages from the administration of President Donald Trump . The remarks by Mr Barrack, who is also Mr Trump's special envoy for Syria and Iraq, come as talks between the US and Iran remain stalled despite signs of increased…
US Ambassador to Turkey Tom Barrack recently asserted that Iran's government is not an "evil regime," a statement that contradicts years of harsh rhetoric from the Trump administration. Barrack made his remarks at the Global Security Forum in Doha, emphasizing the distinction between Iran's ruling religious class and the actions of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, which he characterized as an "adversary" with problematic ties to Israel.
Despite Iran's government being described as a "theocracy" by Barrack, he expressed respect for its religious practices and content. The Trump administration has consistently labeled Iran's regime as "evil," a term used in official White House statements and by senior officials like Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. State Department officials have not commented on Barrack's statement.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio, on a visit to India, described Iran as "the number one driver of instability and war and conflict" and the main obstacle to peace in the Middle East, comparing Iran's actions to those of Nazi Germany. Barrack, known for provocative comments on Middle Eastern governance, has a history of comments that have drawn criticism, including his claims about Israel's occupation of the Golan Heights and Lebanon's potential return to its historical name.
Washington and Tehran are currently locked in a conflict that began nearly eight months ago, with ongoing negotiations over the Strait of Hormuz and Iran's nuclear program seemingly at an impasse. Barrack suggested a negotiated settlement rather than regime change, noting the failure of previous US attempts to alter governments in the region.
His comments have elicited strong reactions from US conservative commentators, who accused him of downplaying the Iranian government's repression and hostility towards Israel.
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