US signals a willingness to renew talks with Iran and avoid a prolonged war
By JOSH BOAK and MIKE PESOLI
Updated 4:54 PM EDT, June 22, 2025
WASHINGTON (AP) — The Trump administration on Sunday signaled a willingness to renew talks with Iran and avoid a prolonged war in the aftermath of a surprise attack on three of the country’s nuclear sites as U.S. officials assessed Tehran’s nuclear ambitions and the threat of retaliation against American interests.
The coordinated messaging by President Donald Trump’s vice president, Pentagon chief, top military adviser and secretary of state suggested a confidence that any fallout would be manageable and that Iran’s lack of military capabilities would ultimately force it back to the bargaining table.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said at a news conference that America “does not seek war” with Iran, while Vice President JD Vance said the strikes have given Tehran the possibility of returning to negotiate with Washington.
“This mission was not and has not been about regime change,” Hegseth said.
But the unfolding situation is not entirely under Washington’s control, as Tehran has a series of levers to respond to the aerial bombings that could intensify the conflict in the Middle East with possible global repercussions. Iran can block oil being shipped through the Strait of Hormuz, attack U.S. bases in the region, engage in cyber attacks or double down on a nuclear program that might seem like more of a necessity after the U.S. strike.
apnews.com
US has had a really bad run of diplomatic mis-steps exposing lies and deceit. If the US really seeks to end regime change, Trump shouldn't be messaging things like Making Iran Great Again (MIGA) for regime change. It might be great for the US and British oil companies which seek to overturn the Iranian oil contracts awarded to French, Italian, and Russian companies. |
