"Not war against Iran, but against its nuclear program"

2025-06-23 09:50:00, Kosova & Bota CNA

Following US airstrikes on Iranian nuclear facilities, the US government is trying to calm fears of a wider outbreak in the region. US Vice President JD Vance stressed on NBC that he is committed to a return to talks. "We are not waging war on Iran, we are waging war on Iran's nuclear program," he said.

We want peace, but peace without a nuclear program, Vance stressed. If the Iranians would abandon this program once and for all and not attack the American military, Iran could have good relations with the United States. Now there is an opportunity for a "reseat."

Vance also said that the US is not seeking to overthrow the Iranian leadership with the strikes. They do not want regime change, nor should there be US ground troops in the country. "We want to talk to the Iranians about a long-term agreement," Vance said. The conflict should not be prolonged. "We want to end their nuclear program."

But US President Donald Trump himself, after the US military bombed Iran's nuclear facilities, hinted that he would support a change in the leadership of the Islamic Republic. "It is not politically correct to use the term 'regime change'," the Republican wrote on his Truth Social platform. "But if the current Iranian leadership is incapable of making Iran great again, why not regime change??? MIGA!!!" With the acronym "MIGA", Trump alluded to his slogan - "Make America Great Again" - "Make America Great Again" ("MAGA") - with the I referring to Iran.

Hegseth: Trump doesn't want a protracted war
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth also said that US President Donald Trump had made it clear that he did not want an indefinite deployment. Channels of communication with Tehran remain open. "I can only confirm that public and private messages are being transmitted directly to the Iranians through various channels, giving them every opportunity to sit down at the negotiating table."

Like Vance, Hegseth stressed that the US strikes were not aimed at overthrowing the leadership in Tehran. At the same time, he stressed that the US is capable of responding to any retaliation from Iran. "The most powerful military in the world is prepared to protect our people."/ DW