The 'Regime Change in Iran Policy' refers to a framework of U.S. foreign policy initiatives primarily discussed and pursued during the administrations of Ronald Reagan (1981-1989) and George W. Bush (2001-2009), aimed at overthrowing or significantly altering the Islamic Republic of Iran's government through support for dissidents, sanctions, and other measures. Originating in the context of post-1979 Iranian Revolution tensions, these policies emphasized covert and overt support for Iranian dissident groups, exile organizations, and internal opposition movements to undermine the regime's stability. Key mechanisms included economic sanctions to isolate Iran internationally, funding for pro-democracy programs, and rhetorical designations such as Bush's 2002 'Axis of Evil' speech, which framed Iran as a primary threat, justifying escalated efforts toward regime change. This approach built on earlier Cold War-era strategies but was adapted to address Iran's nuclear ambitions, support for militias in Iraq and Lebanon, and human rights abuses.

Under Reagan, the policy manifested through the Iran-Contra affair's tangential elements and broader anti-Iranian stance, including arming Iraq during the Iran-Iraq War (1980-1988) as a proxy to weaken Tehran. The Bush era intensified this with the establishment of programs like the Iran Freedom Support Act (2006), which authorized up to $10 million annually for opposition activities, and collaboration with think tanks and NGOs to promote 'democracy assistance.' Critics, including some U.S. policymakers and international observers, argued that these initiatives risked escalating regional conflicts, alienating Iranian moderates, and violating international law, while proponents viewed them as essential to countering theocratic rule. The policy's implementation involved interagency coordination among the State Department, CIA, and Treasury, but faced legal and congressional scrutiny over funding transparency.

Although not a formal standalone organization, the 'Regime Change in Iran Policy' operated through U.S. government entities and affiliated networks, influencing broader Middle East strategies. Its legacy persists in ongoing U.S.-Iran tensions, with elements echoed in later sanctions regimes under Obama, Trump, and Biden administrations, though explicit regime change rhetoric has waned. Confidence in specific implementation details varies, with well-documented aspects like legislative acts contrasting with classified operational elements.