LBCI

US strikes against Iran not aimed at regime change: Pentagon chief

World News

22-06-2025 | 09:36

Share

Share

US strikes against Iran not aimed at regime change: Pentagon chief

The U.S. military's strikes on Iran's nuclear sites were not a preamble to plans for regime change, U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said on Sunday, adding that private messages had been sent to Tehran encouraging them to negotiate.

Still, Hegseth warned Iran against following through with past threats of retaliation against the United States, and said U.S. forces were postured to defend themselves, and take action if needed.

"This mission was not and has not been about regime change," Hegseth told reporters at the Pentagon. "The president authorized a precision operation to neutralize the threats to our national interests posed by the Iranian nuclear program."

The U.S. strikes included 14 bunker-buster bombs, more than two dozen Tomahawk missiles and over 125 military aircraft, in an operation the top U.S. general, General Dan Caine, said was named "Operation Midnight."

Reuters

World News

Middle East News

US

Strikes

Iran

Regime

Change

Pentagon

Chief

Next

US 'devastated the Iranian nuclear program': Defense secretary

Trump and Netanyahu spoke after US strikes on Iran: AFP

Previous

Recommended For You

US Coast Guard says Titan submersible's design a primary factor in implosion

09:52

US Coast Guard says Titan submersible's design a primary factor in implosion

Trump says may 'substantially' raise tariffs on India in next 24 hrs

08:40

Trump says may 'substantially' raise tariffs on India in next 24 hrs

Sweden, Norway, Denmark give $486 mln to NATO project to send US weapons to Ukraine

08:05

Sweden, Norway, Denmark give $486 mln to NATO project to send US weapons to Ukraine

Swiss president, economy minister flying to US for tariff talks

06:51

Swiss president, economy minister flying to US for tariff talks

Subscribe to our VOD

SUBSCRIBE

Our visitors readings

Justice will find you, archbishop says at Beirut blast memorial mass

2025-08-04

Justice will find you, archbishop says at Beirut blast memorial mass

Trump says may 'substantially' raise tariffs on India in next 24 hrs

08:40

Trump says may 'substantially' raise tariffs on India in next 24 hrs

Three-way negotiations: Internal rift deepens in Israel over Gaza war and hostage deal

News Bulletin Reports

2025-08-03

Three-way negotiations: Internal rift deepens in Israel over Gaza war and hostage deal

Brazil's Bolsonaro arrested, adding to tensions with Trump

03:53

Brazil's Bolsonaro arrested, adding to tensions with Trump

Videos

Pregnant journalist Petra Abou Haidar attacked in road rage assault

2025-07-15

Pregnant journalist Petra Abou Haidar attacked in road rage assault

Massive fire erupts at unregulated dumpsite in Bchannine, Zgharta district

2025-07-01

Massive fire erupts at unregulated dumpsite in Bchannine, Zgharta district

Clash between Lebanese Army and residents of Deir Qanoun Al Nahr results in injuries (Video)

2025-06-10

Clash between Lebanese Army and residents of Deir Qanoun Al Nahr results in injuries (Video)

Mexico dedicates garden around Lebanese Emigrant Statue in Beirut to mark 80 years of diplomatic ties

2025-06-04

Mexico dedicates garden around Lebanese Emigrant Statue in Beirut to mark 80 years of diplomatic ties

President Aoun to seek Egyptian support for Lebanese Army in detecting explosives and tunnels

2025-05-19

President Aoun to seek Egyptian support for Lebanese Army in detecting explosives and tunnels

LBCI Exclusive: US steps up pressure on Hezbollah, Morgan Ortagus details sanctions and vision for Lebanon's future

2025-05-15

LBCI Exclusive: US steps up pressure on Hezbollah, Morgan Ortagus details sanctions and vision for Lebanon's future

Kuwait rolls out official welcome for Lebanon's President Aoun – video

2025-05-11

Kuwait rolls out official welcome for Lebanon's President Aoun – video

Security incidents temporarily disrupt voting in several Akkar and Minieh-Danniyeh centers

2025-05-11

Security incidents temporarily disrupt voting in several Akkar and Minieh-Danniyeh centers

EU ambassador says 'we are not just donors, but genuine partners to Lebanon': Insights from exclusive LBCI interview

News Bulletin Reports

2025-05-09

EU ambassador says 'we are not just donors, but genuine partners to Lebanon': Insights from exclusive LBCI interview

Most read

24 hours

7 days

Month

After meeting Gebran Bassil, Hezbollah warns of risks of internal fragmentation

1

After meeting Gebran Bassil, Hezbollah warns of risks of internal fragmentation

Lebanon’s Cabinet convenes in Baabda under President Aoun

2

Lebanon’s Cabinet convenes in Baabda under President Aoun

Cabinet begins debate on exclusive state control of weapons

3

Cabinet begins debate on exclusive state control of weapons

Former security chiefs speak out: Netanyahu faces internal uprising over Gaza

4

Former security chiefs speak out: Netanyahu faces internal uprising over Gaza

Hezbollah's Qassem: Lebanon's interest lies in restoring sovereignty, while Israel's interest is in weakening Lebanon

5

Hezbollah's Qassem: Lebanon's interest lies in restoring sovereignty, while Israel's interest is in weakening Lebanon

Five years later, justice delayed: Beirut blast indictment held up by legal battles and political roadblocks

6

Five years later, justice delayed: Beirut blast indictment held up by legal battles and political roadblocks

President Aoun signs judicial appointments and transfers decree

7

President Aoun signs judicial appointments and transfers decree

MP Marwan Hamadeh to LBCI: Hezbollah has to separate Shiite identity from arms issue

8

MP Marwan Hamadeh to LBCI: Hezbollah has to separate Shiite identity from arms issue

Download now the LBCI mobile app

To see the latest news, the latest daily programs in Lebanon and the world

Google Play

App Store

Download now the LBCI mobile app

We use
cookies

We use cookies to make
your experience on this
website better.

Accept

Learn More