Digital billboards in Tel Aviv, Israel, have begun thanking President Donald Trump for his administration’s military actions against Iranian nuclear sites. On Sunday, Trump appeared to endorse regime change in Iran, contradicting other officials in his administration who maintained that the U.S. had no intention of pursuing such a strategy. He stated that the recent U.S. military strikes on three Iranian nuclear facilities inflicted ‘monumental damage.’
In Moscow, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi met with President Vladimir Putin on Monday, expressing shared concerns and adversities between Iran and Russia. He characterized U.S. and Israeli military actions as detrimental, warning, ‘they have serious consequences and create problems not only for Iran, but also for the region, for the international community, and for international law.’
Iranian military leaders responded to the strikes with threats of a ‘decisive response.’ Army Chief Major General Amir Hatami accused the U.S. of ‘committing crimes’ against Iran and stated, ‘Every time they committed crimes, they received a decisive response, and this time too, it will be the same.’ In a direct address to Trump, an Iranian military spokesperson warned, ‘Gambler Trump, you can start this war, but we will be the ones who end it.’
The U.S. Navy’s Joint Maritime Information Center issued a warning on Sunday, identifying the strikes as a ‘significant regional development’ that raises concerns for maritime operations in the Arabian Gulf. The center indicated that although the maritime threat level remains ‘ELEVATED,’ U.S.-affiliated vessels continue to navigate the Strait of Hormuz without interruptions.
On his Truth Social account, Trump asserted that the U.S. strikes caused ‘Monumental Damage’ to Iran’s nuclear sites, referring to satellite images as evidence. He added, ‘Obliteration is an accurate term…The biggest damage took place far below ground level. Bullseye!!!’
The president suggested the possibility of regime change, despite the denials from other officials. He posted, ‘It’s not politically correct to use the term, ‘Regime Change,’ but if the current Iranian Regime is unable to MAKE IRAN GREAT AGAIN, why wouldn’t there be a Regime change??? MIGA!!!’ Shortly after, he mentioned that the B-2 bomber pilots who conducted the strikes had safely returned to Missouri.
In retaliation, Iran launched approximately 40 missiles at targets in Israel, injuring 23 people. The Israeli Air Force subsequently targeted four cities in Iran, resulting in the deaths of at least seven members of Iran’s Revolutionary Guard Corps, according to reports.
Vice President JD Vance, speaking on ‘Meet the Press,’ stated, ‘we’re not at war with Iran, we’re at war with Iran’s nuclear program,’ emphasizing the administration’s lack of interest in deploying ground forces. He acknowledged public fatigue over foreign engagements but asserted that current leadership is more adept than previous administrations.
In response to criticisms regarding the absence of Congressional approval for the strikes, Vance insisted that the President acted within his authority. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth clarified that the ‘mission was not, and has not been about regime change,’ labeling the operation a ‘precision operation.’ Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman Gen. Dan Caine disclosed that the operation, named ‘Operation Midnight Hammer,’ employed advanced weapons but confirmed no resistance was encountered during the strikes.
In a White House address, Trump characterized the military action as a ‘spectacular success’ and cautioned Iran against retaliation, asserting that the U.S. is ready for further strikes if necessary. ‘There will either be peace or there will be tragedy for Iran,’ he warned.