U.S. President Donald Trump said he will likely seek a commitment from Iran to end its nuclear program during talks next week, claiming recent U.S. airstrikes devastated Tehran’s nuclear capabilities. Trump described Sunday’s attacks—featuring bunker-busting bombs—as “obliteration” and credited them with ending the 12-day conflict between Israel and Iran. Despite U.S. intelligence suggesting the setback to Iran’s nuclear ambitions may only last months, Trump asserted Iran now seeks recovery over enrichment.
CIA Director John Ratcliffe confirmed “credible evidence” that key Iranian nuclear sites were destroyed, estimating it would take years to rebuild. Israel’s nuclear agency similarly claimed the strikes pushed back Iran’s weapons development by many years. Trump added he expects Tehran to pursue diplomacy, though he provided no details on the upcoming talks.
Meanwhile, U.N. nuclear chief Rafael Grossi emphasized the need to restore inspector access to Iran’s facilities, warning that technological know-how remains intact.
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian called for internal reforms, framing the war as a chance to unify officials and the public. The conflict, triggered by an Israeli strike on June 13, killed 627 in Iran and 28 in Israel, with both sides claiming victory. Iran’s military leadership and nuclear scientists were targeted, while Iran responded with unprecedented missile attacks on Israeli territory.
Despite earlier suggestions from Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu about regime change, Trump later ruled it out, citing concerns over regional chaos. Iranian authorities, meanwhile, cracked down domestically, executing three accused of spying for Mossad and arresting 700 others.
In both nations, citizens expressed cautious relief at the ceasefire, tempered by fear of what comes next. “People are exhausted,” said an Israeli resident, echoing a sentiment shared widely across the region.