NEWSMAX -- The Trump administration on Sunday sent a series of conflicting messages to Iran — with U.S. officials initially indicating a willingness to resume negotiations after a surprise attack on three of the country's nuclear sites and President Donald Trump talking up possible regime change.

"It's not politically correct to use the term, 'Regime Change,' but if the current Iranian Regime is unable to MAKE IRAN GREAT AGAIN, why wouldn't there be a Regime change???" Trump posted on social media. "MIGA!!!"

The posting on Truth Social marked something of a reversal from Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth's Sunday morning news conference that detailed the aerial bombing.

"This mission was not and has not been about regime change," Hegseth had said.

But the unfolding situation is not entirely under Washington's control, as Tehran has a series of levers to respond to the bombings that could intensify the conflict in the Middle East with possible global repercussions.

Iran can block oil being shipped through the Strait of Hormuz, attack U.S. bases in the region, engage in cyber attacks, or double down on a nuclear program that might seem like more of a necessity after the U.S. strike.