US cautions Iran against fighting back after nuclear site attacks

After the U.S. bombed three Iranian nuclear sites—Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan—on June 22, 2025, American leaders urged Iran to seek peace instead of striking back. President Donald Trump, speaking alongside Vice President JD Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, said Iran must choose diplomacy or face worse consequences.

"Iran should make peace, or it will face a tragedy far greater than what we've seen," Trump warned in a national address. The strikes, part of Operation Midnight Hammer, involved 125 aircraft, including seven B-2 stealth bombers dropping massive "bunker-buster" bombs, severely damaging Iran’s nuclear facilities, according to U.S. officials. Defense Secretary Hegseth called the attack a "bold and brilliant" success, stating it targeted Iran’s nuclear program, not its government.

He emphasized that the U.S. wants Iran to negotiate, not escalate. General Dan Caine, Joint Chiefs of Staff chairman, said the strikes hit their targets accurately, but a full damage report is still pending. He warned that any Iranian counterattack would be a "poor choice," as U.S. forces are ready to respond. Vice President Vance clarified the U.S. isn’t at war with Iran itself, only its nuclear ambitions.

However, Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi accused the U.S. of disrupting ongoing talks, noting that diplomacy was underway when the strikes occurred. Iran has already fired missiles at Israel, injuring dozens, and its leaders vow to respond. The U.S. and its allies are on high alert for possible retaliation, with 40,000 troops in the region prepared.