Washington, June 23: Former US President Donald Trump took to Truth Social with a provocative post, stating that while it may be “not politically correct to use the term ‘Regime Change,’” if Iran’s current leadership cannot “MAKE IRAN GREAT AGAIN,” then “why wouldn’t there be a Regime change???” He ended his post with a defiant “MIGA!!!,” according to Deutsche Welle (DW).

Trump’s remarks stood in stark contrast to the official messaging from his administration. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth emphasized that the recent US strikes on Iran “were not, and have not been, about regime change.” Vice President JD Vance echoed the sentiment, clarifying that the United States was not at war with Iran itself, but rather “at war with Iran’s nuclear program.”

In response to the escalating tensions, the US State Department issued a global security alert for its citizens, warning of increased risks due to the deepening conflict in the Middle East. “The conflict between Israel and Iran has led to travel disruptions and intermittent airspace closures across the region. Demonstrations targeting US citizens and interests are possible,” the alert read. “The Department advises US citizens worldwide to exercise increased caution.”

The situation intensified after the United States launched a coordinated strike on Iranian nuclear facilities, including the strategic Fordo site, in an operation codenamed Midnight Hammer. Tehran has since vowed retaliation, threatening US military bases in the region. It warned that the attack would have “everlasting consequences” and declared that it reserves “all options” to defend itself.

On Saturday, the US began evacuation flights for its citizens and permanent residents from Israel and the occupied West Bank.

Later that day, Iran’s envoy addressed an emergency meeting of the UN Security Council—convened at Tehran’s request following the US strikes. He condemned the action, saying, “Iran had repeatedly warned the warmongering US regime to refrain from stumbling into this quagmire.”

People’s News Monitoring Service