Former intelligence officer and political commentator Larry Johnson has claimed that Washington’s push for regime change in Iran is aimed at weakening the emerging BRICS alliance and preserving US dominance in the global financial system.
In remarks circulating online, Johnson argued that the broader strategic objective of the United States is to halt the development of an alternative financial order that could reduce reliance on the US dollar and limit Washington’s leverage over international trade.
“The reason we want regime change in Iran is to stop BRICS, to stop the development of this alternative financial future that does not include the US — or at least doesn’t give the US the control where it can tell everybody what to do,” Johnson said.
BRICS — originally comprising Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa — has expanded in recent years as several countries seek closer economic cooperation outside Western-led financial institutions. Iran formally joined the bloc amid efforts to bypass US sanctions and conduct trade in non-dollar currencies.
Johnson further alleged that Washington’s ultimate geopolitical objective extends beyond Tehran. “This is to destroy Iran and ultimately destroy Russia and China. That’s the US goal,” he said, framing the conflict as part of a broader power struggle between the United States and rival global powers.
US officials have consistently maintained that their actions in Iran are driven by security concerns, regional stability, and counterterrorism objectives, rejecting claims that the conflict is designed to undermine BRICS or prevent the emergence of alternative financial systems.
Analysts say the debate reflects growing tensions over the future of global economic governance, as more countries explore mechanisms to reduce dependence on Western-controlled financial networks and sanctions regimes.
