Trump Hints at Possible Regime Change in Iran After U.S. Strike
President Donald Trump on Sunday night suggested that a change in Iran’s leadership could be on the table, even though his administration had previously downplayed the possibility.
“It’s not politically correct to say ‘regime change,’” Trump posted on Truth Social, “but if Iran’s leadership can’t MAKE IRAN GREAT AGAIN, why wouldn’t that be the outcome?”
The statement followed his earlier claims that U.S. forces delivered “monumental damage” to Iran’s nuclear infrastructure, referencing satellite imagery and calling the impact “obliteration.”
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth confirmed the military’s success in “Operation Midnight Hammer,” stating that the campaign aimed to significantly weaken or dismantle Tehran’s nuclear program — not to change its government. The strike involved 14 bunker-busting bombs, over 25 Tomahawk missiles, and more than 125 aircraft, according to Joint Chiefs Chairman Gen. Dan Caine.
Three primary nuclear facilities — Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan — were reportedly hit with heavy damage. While no definitive statements were made about the full extent of the damage, initial assessments were said to be severe.
Vice President JD Vance noted that the operation set back Iran’s nuclear ambitions and reiterated Washington’s interest in reaching a diplomatic resolution. President Trump was expected to convene with his national security team to evaluate the next steps.
Netanyahu Offers Prayers at Western Wall After U.S. Strike on Iran
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu visited the Western Wall in Jerusalem on Sunday to express gratitude for U.S. military support in the escalating conflict with Iran.
Accompanied by his wife Sara and senior religious leaders, Netanyahu recited prayers for the Israeli security forces and the safe return of 50 hostages still held by Hamas in Gaza. He also offered a special prayer for President Donald Trump, praising his leadership and alignment with Israel.
The visit came shortly after the launch of a joint military effort targeting Iran’s nuclear sites, part of what Israel has dubbed “Operation Rising Lion” — a name inspired by a biblical verse Netanyahu placed in the Wall: “Behold, the people shall rise up as a great lion…” (Numbers 23:24).
Just days earlier, Netanyahu had also brought Argentine President Javier Milei to the site ahead of the initial Israeli strikes on Iran.
Israel Condemns Church Bombing in Damascus as ‘Cowardly Terror Attack’
Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar strongly denounced the deadly suicide bombing that struck a Christian church in Damascus on Sunday, describing it as a “cowardly act of terror.”
The attack, which targeted the Mar Elias Church in the Dweila neighborhood during a service, left at least 20 people dead and many more injured. Syrian sources reported that one of the attackers detonated an explosive vest after opening fire inside the church. Authorities linked the incident to Islamic State operatives.
This marks the first deadly ISIS-linked attack in Syria since the fall of President Bashar Assad’s regime in December, according to security officials speaking to Reuters.
International condemnation followed quickly. Greece’s foreign ministry called the bombing “abhorrent,” demanding immediate action from Syria’s transitional government to ensure the protection of religious communities.
The U.S. Special Envoy to Syria, Thomas Barrack, called the attack “an act of cowardice” and said it stands in direct opposition to the inclusive future Syrians are striving to build.
Graphic footage from inside the church showed the aftermath of the blast, underscoring the attack’s brutality and its impact on one of Syria’s Christian minority communities.
