'We took the bomb out of their hands', Trump claims

But US leadership insists strikes 'not about regime change'

- DAVID MADDOX

Donald Trump's administration "does not seek war" and is not trying to create regime change, US defence secretary Pete Hegseth has claimed after the president authorised a surprise attack on Iran.

With the world reeling over the stealth bomber raids on three nuclear sites - dubbed Operation Midnight Hammer President Trump claimed he had "completely obliterated" Iran's chances of obtaining nuclear weapons.

Mr Trump said later: "We had a spectacular military success yesterday, taking the bomb right out of their hands." Despite Mr Hegseth's pacifying comments, the attacks have prompted the UK and others to organise repatriation flights for citizens from Israel, Iran and surrounding countries amid fears of all-out war.

UK bases in Cyprus are on high alert with the theocratic regime in Tehran vowing revenge on America and her allies. Iran's foreign minister, Abbas Araghchi, announced he will fly to Moscow for meetings with Vladimir Putin today. Meanwhile, Iran let off another barrage of missiles at Israel while US allies took stock of the latest round of international turmoil.

Prime minister Sir Keir Starmer and Mr Trump spoke yesterday and "discussed the need for Iran to return to the negotiating table as soon as possible", Downing Street said.

Mr Trump's methods, which appear to have been kept secret from all but a close inner circle, were condemned by UN secretary-general Antonio Guterres. In a statement, Mr Guterres said: "I am gravely alarmed by the use of force by the United States against Iran today. This is a dangerous escalation in a region already on the edge - and a direct threat to international peace and security."

The attack came despite Mr Trump apparently assuring fellow G7 leaders in Canada last week that he was seeking de-escalation.