Day 11: Iran Considers Response Following US Strikes, Trump Hints at Regime Change

World 09:25 AM - 2025-06-23

Israeli police and search and rescue teams launch investigation and search operations.

The conflict between Iran, Israel, and, more recently, the United States has entered its 11th day, following a significant escalation over the weekend. US forces launched direct strikes on Iranian nuclear sites on Sunday, prompting Tehran to warn of a “proportionate” response. Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump has suggested regime change may be necessary in Iran, raising concerns of further instability.

Background to the Conflict

Hostilities began on 13 June, when Israel launched air strikes against Iranian military and nuclear targets, citing intelligence regarding imminent threats. Iran responded with missile attacks on Israeli territory, and tensions have since broadened into a wider regional confrontation.

Until recently, the US had remained on the sidelines, urging restraint. However, on 22 June, the US conducted targeted strikes on nuclear facilities in Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan, citing concerns that Iran was preparing to escalate its nuclear programme.

The US Department of Defense stated that the strikes were designed to degrade Iran’s nuclear infrastructure. Damage assessments are ongoing, and while the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has confirmed no off-site radiation leak, full independent verification of the internal damage has not yet been completed due to limited access.

Iran's Reaction

Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, condemned the strikes, calling them “a violation of international law and Iranian sovereignty.” Officials in Tehran have indicated that retaliation is likely, but emphasised that any response will be carefully calibrated.

Reports suggest the Iranian government is weighing various options, including cyber operations, missile strikes against regional US assets, or disruption to commercial shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, a key route for global oil supply.

Speaking in a national address, Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said: “Iran will respond to aggression in accordance with international law and in defence of its people and territorial integrity.”

Trump’s Remarks

Following the strikes, US President Donald Trump posted on his social media platform, Truth Social, writing: “If the Ayatollahs won’t MAKE IRAN GREAT AGAIN, maybe it’s time for something new.”

The comment has been widely interpreted as an implicit call for regime change, a stance that has drawn criticism from both Iranian officials and international observers. Critics argue such statements risk inflaming an already volatile situation.

International Reactions

The United Nations Security Council convened an emergency session on Sunday evening. Russia and China condemned the US strikes, calling for immediate de-escalation, while European leaders urged all sides to exercise restraint and return to diplomatic channels.

Meanwhile, Iraq’s representative to the UN Security Council, Abbas Kazim Obaid, warned that attacks on nuclear facilities set a dangerous precedent and threaten regional stability. Speaking during the recent Security Council meeting on Iran, he stressed that such actions risk igniting wider conflicts in a region already afflicted by decades of suffering. He criticised unilateral strikes bypassing the Council, saying they undermine its authority, and cautioned that damage to nuclear sites could cause catastrophic radiation leaks affecting neighbouring countries, including Iraq. He also condemned repeated violations of Iraqi airspace and rejected its use in any military conflict.

Oil prices rose sharply on Monday on concerns over escalating tensions in the Gulf region. Several major airlines have diverted flights from Iranian and Israeli airspace, and US military installations across the Middle East have been placed on heightened alert.

Wider Regional Implications

The situation remains fluid, with Iranian-backed groups in Lebanon, Syria, and Iraq increasing their activity in recent days. Rocket fire from Hezbollah into northern Israel has resumed, and regional governments are reportedly bracing for further escalation.

Analysts say this is the most serious confrontation between the United States and Iran in years.



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