Mike Pompeo on Iran Protests
TL;DR
Mike Pompeo strongly supports the Iran protests, viewing them as a historic opportunity to end the current "evil, anti-American dictatorship."
Key Points
He stated on X that the Iranian regime had reached "its natural terminus" and possessed "zero legitimacy" as of a January 2026 post.
Pompeo spoke at the Free Iran Convention in Washington D.C. on November 15, 2025, emphasizing that only the Iranian people can secure a free Iran.
He acknowledged the presence of Mossad agents walking alongside the protesters in a New Year's message to Iranians in early January 2026.
Summary
Mike Pompeo took a strong, public stance in support of the protests occurring within Iran, characterizing the regime as having reached its "natural terminus" due to its illegitimacy and economic failures. He urged the international community not to squander what he viewed as a "historic opportunity" to see the end of the "evil, anti-American dictatorship." Pompeo stressed that the goal should be a democratic, popular republic in Iran, asserting that the change must be driven by the Iranian people and their organized political opposition. He has consistently called for intensified pressure against the regime, explicitly advocating against appeasement and the funding or engaging with the current government.
He contextualized his position by comparing the inevitable collapse of the regime to the sudden fall of other authoritarian systems, emphasizing that while the timing is unpredictable, internal resistance will force the moment. Furthermore, Pompeo drew attention to the presence of Israeli agents on the ground during the unrest, a statement which the Iranian government utilized to claim foreign orchestration. He maintained that supporting the internal opposition and denying the regime wealth and resources are the critical tools to accelerate the system's demise and pave the way for a future governed by the people.
Key Quotes
“Happy New Year to every Iranian in the streets. Also to every Mossad agent walking beside them,”
Frequently Asked Questions
Mike Pompeo is a strong supporter of the Iran Protests, viewing them as a critical moment for regime change. He has publicly stated that the current government has reached its end and must be replaced by a democratic republic driven by its own people.
The former Secretary of State acknowledged the presence of Israeli agents operating on the ground in Iran during the unrest, sending a message that included Mossad agents walking beside the protesters. The Iranian regime has used such claims to assert foreign orchestration behind the movements.
His public statements indicate a consistent theme of desiring the end of the current Iranian regime, positioning the internal opposition as the vehicle for change. He urges increased external pressure to hasten this inevitable outcome, rather than showing evolution on this core goal.
Sources5
Pompeo says Iranian regime has arrived at 'natural terminus': 'Let's not waste this historic opportunity'
Former U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo: Only the Iranian People Can Bring a Free Iran—and They Are Ready
Iran accuses foreign intelligence of being behind protest movement
Iranian protesters reject US and Israeli interference
Iran's FM says unrest under control, Tehran has evidence of US role in protests
* This is not an exhaustive list of sources.