Senior White House officials hailed the recent air strikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities as a turning point, claiming they have dealt a significant blow to Tehran’s nuclear ambitions and restored American deterrence on the global stage.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio described the military operation as a success that brought greater global stability. “I think the world today is safer and more stable than it was 24 hours ago,” Rubio told Fox News, warning Iran against maintaining a “secret” nuclear program. He criticized Tehran for engaging in “fake negotiations” ahead of the strikes, accusing it of trying to manipulate President Donald Trump.
The United States would allow Iran to operate nuclear power plants but not enrich its own fuel, Secretary of State Marco Rubio said after a wave of American strikes aimed to wipe out Iran's nuclear program.
"The Iranian regime should wake up and say, 'OK, if we really want nuclear energy in our country, there's a way to do it.' That offer's still there; we're prepared to talk to them tomorrow," he told Fox News.
"Ultimately, they have to make a decision. It's a very simple decision: if what they want is nuclear reactors so they can have electricity, there are so many other countries in the world that do that, and they don't have to enrich their own uranium; they can do that," Rubio added.
Vice President JD Vance echoed this message, asserting that the air strikes had set Iran’s nuclear program back by years. “We’re not at war with Iran, we’re at war with Iran’s nuclear program,” he told ABC, emphasizing that the US acted to neutralize a threat, not to ignite conflict.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, speaking from the Pentagon, declared the operation “overwhelmingly and stunningly successful.” He revealed that the mission, dubbed "Midnight Hammer," had been in the works for weeks and months, awaiting the president’s command. Hegseth noted that the strikes were carefully planned to avoid targeting civilians or military personnel, focusing solely on nuclear infrastructure.
“The operation planned by President Trump is bold and brilliant,” Hegseth stated. “It showed the world that American deterrence is back. When this president speaks, the world must listen.” He warned that any Iranian retaliation would be met with even greater force, urging Tehran to choose the path of peace.
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