On the morning of June 22, 2025, the United States launched Operation Midnight Hammer, a bold and highly coordinated military attack targeting Iran’s three most important nuclear facilities—Fordo, Natanz, and Isfahan. The operation stunned the global defense community with its scale, precision, and secrecy.
🛩️ Silent Shadows in the Sky
The mission was led by seven B-2 stealth bombers that took off from Missouri under the cover of darkness. Each aircraft carried two Massive Ordnance Penetrator (MOP) bombs, 30,000-pound bunker-busters capable of penetrating deep into the earth.
At the same time, submarine-launched Tomahawk missiles were fired at Iran’s Isfahan site, coordinated to attack simultaneously with the airstrike. The multi-pronged attack involved more than 125 aircraft, including fuel tankers, drones, escort fighters and decoy aircraft, all designed to hide the real targets until it was too late for Iran to respond.
🛰️ Breaching the Mountain Shield
Fordo, one of Iran’s most secure nuclear sites, is buried deep within a mountain. Designed to survive conventional attacks, it became the focal point of the attack.
Satellite imagery after the operation showed:
Large craters above the facility, indicating successful penetration
Collapsed tunnel entrances, making access difficult
Clouds of dust and debris blanketing the area, indicating extensive surface and structural damage
Experts believe the attack was the most severe physical blow to Iran’s nuclear infrastructure in more than a decade.
🎖️ Voices from the Pentagon
Top US military officials praised the execution of the mission. Joint Chiefs Chairman Gen. Dan Kaine called it a “high-risk success” and confirmed that significant damage had been done, though a full assessment could take weeks.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth highlighted the strategic use of decoy aircraft that misled Iranian air defenses. He described the attack as a “masterclass in deception and precision.”
President Donald Trump addressed the nation shortly after the operation, declaring that the nuclear sites had been “totally and totally destroyed,” and warned that any retaliation from Iran would spark an even stronger response.
🌍 Iran responds, the world watches
Iran responded immediately with statements denying any serious damage to its nuclear program. Officials claimed that only the tunnel entrances had been affected and insisted that there had been no radiation leaks — a claim that was later partially supported by initial inspections.
Still, the reaction was intense:
Tehran threatened retaliation and hinted at potential disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz
Global leaders urged both sides to exercise restraint and avoid further military escalation
In the US, several lawmakers raised concerns about the attack being carried out without prior congressional approval
🔮 What’s next?
Now the world waits.
Experts are analyzing the long-term damage to Iran’s underground infrastructure.
Iran’s next move — whether military, diplomatic or cyber — remains uncertain.
In Washington, the debate over the balance of war powers continues between the president and Congress.
US forces are on high alert in the Middle East, ready for any potential escalation.
📝 Final conclusions
Operation Midnight Hammer was more than just a military action — it was a strategic message. It demonstrated the unmatched global reach of American airpower, combining stealth, coordination and intelligence to target one of the world’s most closely guarded nuclear programs.
However, this attack may not bring lasting peace. With tensions rising and diplomatic channels strained, the world stands on edge, watching closely to see if this bold move will prevent future conflict – or start a new one.
