US Claims Major Blow to Iran’s Nuclear Program, Rules Out Regime Change

Washington, D.C. – U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth announced Sunday that the recent military strikes authorized by President Donald Trump have significantly damaged Iran’s nuclear program, warning Tehran against further escalation and urging its leadership to pursue peace.

Speaking at a Pentagon press briefing, Hegseth stated, “We devastated the Iranian nuclear program,” emphasizing that the precision strikes were carefully designed to avoid targeting Iranian troops or civilians. “This mission was not, and has not, been about regime change,” he added.

The Defense Secretary underscored President Trump’s preference for diplomacy over conflict. “The president seeks peace, and Iran should take that path,” he said.

According to Hegseth, the operation was launched in response to mounting threats posed by Iran’s nuclear capabilities, which Washington sees as a direct danger to U.S. national interests and regional stability. He also highlighted the strikes as part of a broader effort to defend American forces and U.S. allies, particularly Israel.

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“The president authorized a precision operation to neutralize the threats to our national interests posed by the Iranian nuclear program and the collective self-defense of our troops and our ally Israel,” Hegseth concluded.

The remarks come amid heightened tensions following the operation, dubbed “Midnight Hammer,” which reportedly involved multiple strategic assets, including stealth bombers and submarines, in a tightly coordinated assault on Iranian nuclear infrastructure.