President Donald Trump suggested on Truth Social that regime change could occur in Iran, saying “the current regime cannot restore Iran’s greatness, so should regime change happen.”

Following U.S. strikes on Iranian nuclear sites, the U.S. State Department urged citizens worldwide to exercise heightened caution: disruptions in Middle East air transport and possible protests against U.S. interests may arise.

Vice President Mike Pence clarified to ABC News that “we are not at war with Iran, we are fighting Iran’s nuclear program,” noting recent strikes significantly set back that program. He emphasized the mission targeted the Fordow facility, causing “substantial damage.” Pence affirmed recovery efforts would proceed and confirmed the strikes had delayed Iran’s nuclear weapons ability by “a very long time.”

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian accused the U.S. of deliberately keeping the region unstable, supporting Israel to join aggression against Iran. He condemned U.S. strikes that targeted nuclear sites previously under IAEA oversight, accusing Washington of siding with Israel after negotiations faltered.

Pakistani Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif also condemned the strikes as a serious violation of international law, highlighting that the targets were under IAEA supervision and affirming Pakistan’s solidarity with Iran. He urged a return to diplomacy under UN Charter Article51.

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, speaking on Sunday Morning Futures, explained the strikes as a reaction to Iran’s warning that any U.S. counter‑attack would be their “heaviest mistake ever”—adding “that decision was Iran’s.” He noted the U.S. offered Iran a 60‑day negotiation window beforehand, accusing Iran of using diplomacy to buy time. Rubio warned Iran against retaliating—especially by closing the Strait of Hormuz—and said any response would be “the worst mistake they ever make.” He described Israel’s Operation Rising Lion as severely degrading Iran’s military, rendering Iran “entirely vulnerable.” He repeatedly emphasized “this is not a war against Iran” and that U.S. objectives remain limited to halting Iran’s nuclear program.

On the night of June 22, U.S. forces struck Iranian nuclear sites. Iran later claimed it had evacuated all personnel.