Following U.S. Strikes on Iranian Nuclear Sites, Tehran Vows “Decisive Response” as Global Powers Urge De-escalation
Washington, D.C. / Tehran – The already volatile U.S.-Iran standoff has reached new and dangerous heights as former U.S. President Donald Trump publicly speculated about the possibility of regime change in Iran. The statement comes in the immediate aftermath of a massive American air campaign that targeted three of Iran’s key nuclear facilities—Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan—significantly escalating regional tensions.
In a post on Truth Social, Trump wrote:
“If the current Iranian Regime is unable to MAKE IRAN GREAT AGAIN, why wouldn’t there be a Regime change??? MIGA!!!”
This bold declaration, though made by a former leader, clashes with the current White House and Pentagon stance. U.S. officials have stated that the strikes, part of Operation Midnight Hammer, were strictly limited in scope and intended to degrade Iran’s nuclear capability—not to alter its political structure.
Tehran’s Furious Response: “All Options on the Table”
Iranian leaders were swift and severe in their response. Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi condemned the strikes, labeling them as an “unprovoked act of aggression” and a “grave violation of sovereignty and international norms.”
In a strongly worded statement, Tehran warned of a “decisive and multifaceted retaliation”. Possibilities include missile strikes on U.S. military installations, cyber warfare, and potential action to close the Strait of Hormuz—a vital global oil artery. Iran has also made clear that countries aligned with the U.S. could be viewed as legitimate targets.
The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has already launched drone and missile attacks on Israeli military positions, injuring dozens and underlining Iran’s resolve to respond swiftly and with force.
Inside Operation Midnight Hammer
The U.S. military’s assault on Iran’s nuclear infrastructure marked the first combat use of the Massive Ordnance Penetrator (MOP)—the most powerful non-nuclear bomb in the U.S. arsenal. The operation involved seven stealth B-2 bombers and a series of Tomahawk cruise missiles, all carefully timed to minimize civilian casualties while delivering a crippling blow to underground facilities.
While U.S. officials claim the damage to Iran’s nuclear program is “monumental,” international watchdogs, including the IAEA, caution that a full assessment of underground impact remains underway.
Global Repercussions: Oil, Diplomacy, and War Warnings
The geopolitical ripple effects have been swift. Oil prices surged overnight, and global markets reacted nervously. The United Nations, China, Russia, and the European Union have all issued urgent calls for restraint. The U.S. State Department has also issued a “Worldwide Caution” advisory, warning citizens of heightened risk to American interests abroad.
Diplomatic backchannels are reportedly active, but the path to de-escalation remains uncertain.
A Precarious Future: Words and Weapons Collide
Trump’s remarks—though unofficial—add fuel to an already combustible situation. While he is not currently in office, his influence on American foreign policy discourse is undeniable. His open endorsement of regime change could embolden hawkish elements within both the U.S. and Iran, reducing space for diplomacy.
Iran’s vow of a “decisive response” and the U.S. military’s demonstration of unmatched airpower suggest that both sides are prepared for further confrontation. With lives and global stability at stake, the coming days will be critical in determining whether this moment spirals into full-scale conflict—or opens a narrow window for peace.
Byline: International Desk | June 23, 2025
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