US Conducts Major Strikes on Iran Nuclear Sites, Seeks No War

The United States, under President Donald Trump's administration, launched a precise military operation named "Operation Midnight Hammer" targeting Iran's nuclear facilities at Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan, successfully inflicting severe damage without provoking Iranian military resistance. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth emphasized that the mission aimed solely at neutralizing Iran's nuclear threat and was not intended for regime change, stressing that the US does not seek war with Iran but remains prepared to respond forcefully to any retaliation. Vice President JD Vance clarified that the US is at war with Iran's nuclear program, not the country itself, expressing confidence that the strikes have substantially delayed Iran's nuclear weapon development and offering Tehran a diplomatic opportunity to negotiate a long-term settlement. Despite US officials urging caution and emphasizing the limited scope of the strikes, Iran condemned the attacks as violations of sovereignty and international law, raising tensions in the region. The US administration has sent mixed signals of military resolve and diplomatic openness, indicating a willingness to engage in negotiations if Iran abandons its nuclear ambitions. The operation involved sophisticated tactics including decoys and stealth bombers and was executed with high operational security to avoid civilian casualties and broader conflict escalation.