Washington, 23 June (H.S.): US President Donald Trump expressed skepticism about the possibility of regime change in Iran following recent US military strikes aimed at key Iranian military targets. Trump utilized his social media platform to question the current regime’s capability to improve the nation, suggesting that if the regime fails to MAKE IRAN GREAT AGAIN, regime change might be justified despite it being an unpopular term. This statement came after the US deployed powerful bombs against Iran’s Fordow nuclear site, prompting Iran’s declaration of its commitment to self-defense.

Tensions escalated as Iran and Israel exchanged missile strikes, leading to casualties in western Iran and damage in Tel Aviv. The US State Department responded by evacuating family members of personnel in Lebanon and advising citizens elsewhere to minimize their travel and maintain a low profile. The Department of Homeland Security further warned of a heightened threat environment within the US, leading to increased law enforcement presence around sensitive sites.

Although Iran has not yet executed its threats of retaliation against the US or disrupted global oil supplies, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi stated that all options for response remained on the table, asserting that diplomacy was off the table until retribution was enacted. Trump characterized the strikes as a significant success against Iran’s nuclear facilities, but officials provided more cautious evaluations, while the International Atomic Energy Agency reported no increases in radiation levels post-strike.

Amid growing tensions, Iran’s parliament took steps towards potentially closing the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz, a move that could impact global oil supply and provoke confrontation with the US Navy. Security experts cautioned that a weakened Iran might resort to unconventional retaliation methods. Meanwhile, Israeli officials have articulated ambitions to dismantle Iran’s current regime, with Prime Minister Netanyahu claiming progress towards neutralizing Iranian missile and nuclear threats.

Contrarily, US officials emphasized that their military actions were not intended for regime change, focusing instead on neutralizing threats to national interests stemming from Iran’s nuclear program.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar