The Trump administration sent mixed signals to Iran. This happened after US strikes on Iranian nuclear sites. Defence Secretary Hegseth denied regime change was the goal. President Trump hinted otherwise.

Trump has previously threatened other countries, but often backed down or failed to follow through, given his promises to his coalition of voters not to entangle the United States in an extended war. It was not immediately clear whether Iran saw the avoidance of a wider conflict as in its best interests.

Initial military assessments of the buried nuclear site contrast with the statement on the strike there made by President Trump.

China said the United States' attack on Iran's nuclear facilities has damaged its credibility and it was concerned that the situation "may go out of control", its state broadcaster reported, following a U.