US defence secretary claims Trump ‘does not seek war’ after Iran strike

WorldPolitics
23 Jun 2025 • 1:43 AM MYT
The Independent
The Independent

The world’s most free-thinking newspaper

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  • The US launched a major attack on three Iranian nuclear sites, dubbed Operation Midnight Hammer, with President Trump claiming it "completely obliterated" Iran’s nuclear weapon chances.
  • US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth stated the operation aimed solely to end Iran's nuclear ambitions, insisting the administration "does not seek War" or regime change.
  • The attack, involving stealth bombers and numerous missiles, was reportedly planned for weeks, leading to speculation of "deliberate deception" despite earlier de-escalation assurances at the G7 summit.
  • The UN Secretary-General condemned the US action as a "dangerous escalation," while Iran vowed revenge, with its foreign minister flying to Moscow for talks with Vladimir Putin.
  • The UK and other allies organised repatriation flights amid fears of all-out War, with UK bases on high alert, though the UK Prime Minister supported the US action to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons.

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