US Strikes Iran Nuclear Sites, Targets Nuclear Program Not Regime

US Vice President JD Vance emphasized that the United States is not at war with Iran but is targeting Iran's nuclear program following recent US airstrikes on key Iranian nuclear sites in Fordo, Isfahan, and Natanz. Vance stated that the strikes have significantly set back Iran's nuclear ambitions and that the US aims to permanently dismantle Iran's nuclear program without seeking full-scale conflict or regime change. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Air Force Gen. Dan Caine confirmed the success of "Operation Midnight Hammer," which involved stealth bombers and a 30,000-pound bunker buster bomb, and reported no Iranian resistance during the mission. Vance also mentioned the US has received indirect messages from Iran and proposed starting dialogue for a long-term settlement. The operation was based on US intelligence, not Israeli intelligence, and President Trump authorized the strikes, which Vance defended as legal and within presidential authority. The US has heightened force protection measures in the region ahead of potential Iranian retaliation, with President Trump warning that any retaliation would be met with overwhelming force.