U.S. President Donald Trump has indicated the potential for regime change in Iran while defending his assertion that recent U.S. airstrikes “totally obliterated” Iranian nuclear enrichment sites, a claim he maintains is true despite ongoing damage assessments.
In a late-night social media post on June 22, Trump described the sites, which were targeted with GBU-57 “bunker buster” bombs and Tomahawk cruise missiles, as having sustained “monumental damage,” emphasizing that the most significant destruction occurred underground.
He indicated that if Iranian leaders do not succeed in revitalizing the nation, regime change could be considered, a stance that diverges from the more cautious views expressed by senior U.S. officials.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth clarified that the operation was not aimed at regime change but was a precise mission targeting Iran’s nuclear capabilities.
Meanwhile, Vice President JD Vance reiterated that the U.S. is not at war with Iran itself but rather with its nuclear program, and Secretary of State Marco Rubio emphasized that the U.S. is not seeking conflict in Iran.
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has accused Washington of direct involvement in Israel's military operations against the Islamic Republic and has promised retaliation.
U.S. military officials are currently evaluating the full extent of the damage caused by "Operation Midnight Hammer." Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, General Dan Caine, admitted there is uncertainty regarding Iran's remaining nuclear capabilities, refraining from endorsing Trump's claim of "obliteration."
International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Director Rafael Grossi stated, "Currently, no one, including the IAEA, is able to evaluate the underground damage at Fordow."
As tensions rise, the repercussions are being felt throughout the Middle East and beyond. Airlines are working to assist thousands of stranded passengers, and several countries have initiated repatriation efforts for their citizens. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security has issued a terrorism bulletin warning of potential cyberattacks and hate crimes domestically, although it has indicated that there are "no specific credible threats" at this moment.
Oil prices saw a brief spike on Monday due to concerns that Iran might retaliate by attempting to close the Strait of Hormuz — a crucial route for over 20% of the global oil supply. Reports indicate that Iran's parliament has approved such an action, but the final decision lies with its Supreme National Security Council.
Secretary Rubio has called for diplomatic pressure on Tehran, stating to Fox News: "I urge the Chinese government in Beijing to reach out to them [Iran] regarding this matter, as they rely heavily on the Strait of Hormuz for their oil."
In the meantime, Iran may seek strategic coordination with Russia. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi arrived in Moscow on Monday for discussions with President Vladimir Putin. Araqchi remarked that there would be no return to diplomatic talks until Iran has responded to the strikes: "The U.S. has demonstrated a lack of respect for international law. They only comprehend the language of threat and force."