Pakistan, June 22 -- WASHINGTON/TEHRAN - The United States carried out powerful airstrikes on Iran's suspected nuclear facilities, but the Pentagon insists the operation was not about removing the Iranian government.

US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth stated on Sunday that the mission focused solely on damaging Iran's nuclear infrastructure. He emphasized that the strikes were carefully planned over several months and were not aimed at regime change.

Speaking at a press briefing, Hegseth said, "This was a calculated mission to cripple Iran's nuclear ambitions. We avoided civilian areas and military personnel." He added that the US would respond with even greater force if Iran attempted any retaliation.

General Dan Cane, Chairman of t...