The recent U.S. military action against Iran's nuclear program marked a significant escalation but was characterized by Trump administration officials as a targeted, limited strike. VP JD Vance and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth emphasized it was not intended for regime change, focusing instead on dismantling Iran's nuclear capabilities and initiating future talks. Early intelligence reports suggested a substantial slowdown in Iran's nuclear development. While President Trump claimed total destruction of Iran's facilities, uncertainty remains regarding the status of the nuclear assets and potential Iranian retaliation, keeping regional tensions high.
Our view has been very clear that we don't want a regime change. ... We want to end their nuclear program, and then we want to talk to the Iranians about a long-term settlement.
This is most certainly not open-ended. ... the scope of this was intentionally limited. That's the message we're sending.
Initial intelligence gleaned after the strikes on three nuclear sites indicated "we have really pushed their program back by a very long time."
Although President Trump said that the strikes had 'obliterated' Iran's nuclear program, it was as yet unclear if intelligence suggests Iran had moved enrichment equipment.
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