US President Donald Trump has stressed the “monumental” obliteration of Iran’s nuclear facilities, despite the UN‘s inability to determine the exact degree of impact. The US launched airstrikes on three Iranian nuclear sites, including the Fordow Fuel Enrichment Plant, Natanz Nuclear Facility, and Isfahan Nuclear Technology Center.
Trump floated the possibility of leadership change in Iran, saying, “If the current Iranian regime is unable to make Iran great again, why wouldn’t there be regime change?” This statement contradicts previous assertions by US officials that the US is not seeking regime change in Iran.
US Vice President JD Vance and Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth had earlier stated that the US is not seeking to topple the government in Iran via “regime change” and is not at war with the country. However, Trump’s comments have added to the uncertainty and mixed messaging surrounding the US’s intentions regarding Iran’s leadership. Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi is currently in Moscow, where he will discuss “common challenges and threats” with Russia’s President Putin.
The US has also asked China to put pressure on Iran not to close the Strait of Hormuz, a critical shipping route. Meanwhile, Israel carried out “one of the most intense attacks” on Iran’s military infrastructure overnight, while Iran appears to have fired just one missile towards Israel. The situation remains volatile, with both sides trading attacks and rhetoric.
The international community is watching closely as the conflict escalates. The UN’s nuclear watchdog has been monitoring the situation, and the US has been working to assess the damage caused by the airstrikes. As the situation continues to unfold, one thing is clear: the stakes are high, and the potential consequences of further escalation are significant.