US strikes on Iran not aimed at regime change, Pentagon chief says

US strikes on Iran not aimed at regime change, Pentagon chief says US strikes on Iran not aimed at regime change, Pentagon chief says

WASHINGTON () — The U.S. milit’s strikes on Iran’s nuclear sites were not a preamble to plans for regime change, U.S. Defense Secret Pete Hegseth said on Sunday, adding that private messages had been sent to Tehran encouraging them to negotiate.

Still, Hegseth warned Iran against following through with past threats of retaliation against the United States, and said U.S. forces were postured to defend themselves and take action if needed.