Israel-Iran battle: A day after the US launched shock airstrikes on three of Iran’s nuclear websites, President Donald Trump advised that regime change in Tehran may be obligatory, straight contradicting his administration’s earlier statements.
America despatched blended indicators to Iran on Sunday, a day after launching a shock aerial assault on three of Iran’s nuclear websites. Whereas high US officers emphasised that the strikes weren’t supposed to convey down the Iranian regime, US President Donald Trump appeared to contradict them by suggesting that regime change may very well be an possibility. “It’s not politically right to make use of the time period ‘regime change,’ but when the present Iranian regime is unable to MAKE IRAN GREAT AGAIN, why wouldn’t there be a regime change???” Trump wrote on his social media platform, Fact Social, invoking the slogan “MIGA!!!”
The submit marked a pointy distinction from Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth’s earlier assertion wherein he mentioned, “This mission was not and has not been about regime change.” Earlier than Trump’s remark, officers together with Vice President JD Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs Gen Dan Caine, maintained that the strikes aimed solely at crippling Iran’s nuclear program. They asserted that the US nonetheless sought negotiations, with Vance noting that the assaults would possibly stress Iran to return to the desk.
Nonetheless, Trump’s remarks appeared to blur that messaging, complicating diplomatic efforts. The divergence raised contemporary issues in regards to the administration’s long-term technique, whether or not it seeks de-escalation or is edging nearer to full-blown battle with Iran.
Airstrike particulars: ‘Operation Midnight Hammer’
In keeping with Gen Caine, the US airstrikes — dubbed Operation Midnight Hammer — focused Iran’s nuclear services in Fordo, Natanz and Isfahan utilizing B-2 bombers, decoys and deception ways. The strikes occurred Saturday night, Washington time and met no resistance from Iranian forces.
“All three websites sustained extraordinarily extreme injury and destruction,” Caine mentioned, whereas Hegseth added that the mission aimed to halt Iran’s progress towards nuclear weapons. Vice President Vance advised NBC that the strikes “considerably delayed” Iran’s nuclear functionality, estimating it might now take “many, a few years” for Tehran to rebuild.
Tehran vows response, warns diplomacy could also be over
Iran, in the meantime, condemned the strikes as a blatant violation of worldwide regulation. Overseas Minister Abbas Araghchi, talking from Turkey, held the US “absolutely accountable” for any fallout. “They crossed a really large crimson line by attacking nuclear services. I do not understand how a lot room is left for diplomacy,” he mentioned.
Iran might retaliate by blocking oil shipments by means of the Strait of Hormuz, attacking US property within the area, or accelerating its nuclear programme. These choices elevate the danger of a broader Center East battle with world penalties.
Allies react, name for de-escalation
- The worldwide group responded swiftly, with condemnation from Russia and China and a warning from Turkey that the scenario might spiral to a “world degree.”
- UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer mentioned British forces have been being moved to safeguard nationwide pursuits and allies within the area. He additionally spoke with Trump on Sunday, however Trump’s regime change submit got here afterwards.
- Leaders of France, Germany, Canada and Italy echoed the decision for a swift resumption of negotiations. French President Emmanuel Macron reportedly mentioned the matter with Saudi Arabia and Oman, key regional gamers.
US home politics warmth up
- Again dwelling, the strikes have already triggered political controversy. Trump publicly criticised Congressman Thomas Massie for objecting to the president’s resolution to bypass Congress earlier than taking navy motion. “We had a spectacular navy success yesterday,” Trump mentioned on Fact Social, defending the assault.
- Whereas Defence Secretary Hegseth claimed the 60-day negotiation window Trump supplied had expired, critics identified that simply days earlier the White Home had floated a two-week deliberation timeline. The administration’s shifting narrative has raised questions on each technique and coordination.
- Regardless of tensions, Secretary of State Rubio maintained that no additional navy motion was deliberate “until” Iran initiated aggression. “There aren’t any deliberate navy operations proper now in opposition to Iran, until they fiddle they usually assault,” he advised Face the Nation.
(With inputs from AP)
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