Hegseth Says US Attacks Do Not Aim for Regime Change

(MENAFN) US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth emphasized on Sunday that the recent American military actions against Iran were not intended to overthrow its government.

Speaking at a press briefing with Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Air Force Gen. Dan Caine, Hegseth firmly stated, "This mission was not and has not been about regime change."

This clarification followed President Donald Trump’s announcement that US forces had executed “very successful” assaults on three Iranian nuclear locations—Fordo, Natanz, and Esfahan—amid rising concerns of a potential regional escalation.

According to Hegseth, Trump approved 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."

The Defense Secretary explained that the execution of this mission required "months and weeks of positioning and preparation" to ensure readiness when the directive was finally given.

Hegseth described the US offensive as an "incredible and overwhelming success," asserting: "We devastated the Iranian nuclear program."

However, he made clear that the assault was not directed at Iranian military personnel or civilians, underscoring the focused nature of the action.

Declaring that Iran's "nuclear ambitions have been obliterated," Hegseth praised the boldness and effectiveness of Trump’s strategy: "The operation President Trump planned was bold, and it was brilliant, showing the world that American deterrence is back. When this president speaks, the world should listen."

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