Trump administration denies wanting war with Iran or regime change after nuclear site bombing raid
Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent
Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.
US defence secretary claims Trump ‘does not seek war’ after Iran strike
- The US launched a major attack on three Iranian nuclear sites, dubbed Operation Midnight Hammer, with President Trump claiming it "completely obliterated" Iran’s nuclear weapon chances.
- US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth stated the operation aimed solely to end Iran's nuclear ambitions, insisting the administration "does not seek War" or regime change.
- The attack, involving stealth bombers and numerous missiles, was reportedly planned for weeks, leading to speculation of "deliberate deception" despite earlier de-escalation assurances at the G7 summit.
- The UN Secretary-General condemned the US action as a "dangerous escalation," while Iran vowed revenge, with its foreign minister flying to Moscow for talks with Vladimir Putin.
- The UK and other allies organised repatriation flights amid fears of all-out War, with UK bases on high alert, though the UK Prime Minister supported the US action to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons.