US President Donald Trump appeared to walk back his earlier calls for regime change in Iran on Tuesday, telling reporters aboard Air Force One that he does not seek “so much chaos.” His comments came while en route to a NATO summit, where he also revealed that Russian President Vladimir Putin had personally called and offered assistance in dealing with the Iran crisis.

Despite the diplomatic tone, Trump’s Truth Social posts painted a conflicting picture. In one post, he wrote, “ISRAEL is not going to attack Iran. All planes will turn around and head home, while doing a friendly ‘Plane Wave’ to Iran. Nobody will be hurt, the ceasefire is in effect!”

This message contradicted an earlier post that implied support for regime change“It’s not politically correct to use the term ‘Regime Change,’ but if the current Iranian regime is unable to MAKE IRAN GREAT AGAIN, why wouldn’t there be a regime change??? MIGA!!!”

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US Officials Reaffirm Focus On Nuclear Disarmament

Top US officials quickly distanced themselves from regime change rhetoric. Vice President JD Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth have all emphasised that America’s objective is to end Iran’s nuclear ambitions, not topple its government.

In response to recent US and Israeli airstrikes, Iran declared that it would continue its nuclear program. “The game is not over,” said a close aide to Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, asserting that Iran still holds stockpiles of enriched uranium. The head of Iran's Atomic Energy Organisation claimed that contingency measures were in place to ensure uninterrupted nuclear activities.

Israel Escalates Military Operations

Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz stated that the IDF is striking central Tehran with “unprecedented force.” Targets included the Basij headquarters, Revolutionary Guard sites, the notorious Evin Prison, and even symbolic landmarks like the “Destruction of Israel” clock in Palestine Square.

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Amid the rapidly escalating conflict, China called for restraint, while the US State Department issued a global security alert for American citizens. Meanwhile, reports emerged that Iran had executed a third suspected Mossad spy, further fueling tensions.