1. Operation Midnight Hammer: On the night of June 21–22, the U.S. launched a large-scale airstrike—codenamed Operation Midnight Hammer—against Iran’s nuclear sites at Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan. In the largest-ever B‑2 bomber mission since 2001, seven stealth bombers departed Whiteman Air Force Base in Missouri. Supported by fighter escorts, aerial refueling tankers, and surveillance aircraft, they deployed fourteen GBU‑57 Massive Ordnance Penetrators (MOPs). Simultaneously, a submarine-launched barrage of Tomahawk missiles, totaling around 30 strikes, hit surface targets in Isfahan. Officials hail the operation as a “bold and brilliant” success, while noting that full damage assessments are still underway.
2. Tactical Surprise & No Opposition: The mission achieved total surprise. Decoy B‑2s flew toward Guam while the actual strike package made an 18-hour covert flight eastward. U.S. fighter jets cleared airspace, but Iranian air defenses reportedly did not engage. Pentagon officials confirmed that no missiles were fired at U.S. aircraft, underscoring the operation’s stealth and precision .
3. Damage & Uncertainties: Satellite imagery from Maxar Technologies shows cratering at Fordow and visible destruction at Natanz and Isfahan, though underground damage remains unclear. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth described the nuclear program’s infrastructure as “devastated,” while Iran claims key materials may have been relocated in advance. Analysts warn that without a definitive post-strike assessment, uncertainty remains—especially regarding enriched uranium stocks at Fordow .
4. Escalation & Diplomacy: President Trump labeled the operation “spectacular,” while simultaneously signaling openness to peace talks—though his remarks hinted at regime change. Globally, reactions were mixed: Russia called it dangerous escalation, and the UN, EU, China, and others urged restraint. Iran condemned the strikes, promised retaliation, and reportedly prepared a blockade of the Strait of Hormuz—highlighting the growing risk of wider conflict .
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5. Domestic Debate in Washington: The operation triggered political debate in the U.S. Many liberals, and even some Republicans, worried the president acted without Congressional authorization, possibly bypassing legislative oversight. Supporters argue that the strikes dealt a critical blow to Iran’s nuclear aspirations, while critics warn of the potential for deeper entanglement in the region .
