In a bold move, the United States has undertaken airstrikes targeting three critical nuclear sites in Iran—Fordo, Natanz, and Isfahan—marking a substantial escalation in tensions between the US, Israel, and Iran. President Trump described the operation as a "success," stating that the sites have been "obliterated." The Pentagon confirmed that assessments of the damage will take time but preliminary reports indicate that the sites sustained "extremely severe damage."
Operation Midnight Hammer involved a coordinated effort with Israel and utilized 125 US military aircraft, including B-2 stealth bombers. The operation commenced with a strategic decoy approach, where some aircraft flew westward into the Pacific, while the main strike force proceeded into Iranian airspace. Tomahawk cruise missiles were launched from a US submarine, followed by the deployment of "bunker buster" bombs specifically designed to penetrate fortified locations like Fordo, which reportedly lies deeper underground than significant landmarks.
US General Dan Caine stated that during the operation, Iranian defenses did not engage, allowing the US forces to exit the airspace unharmed. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth clarified that the strikes did not target Iranian civilians or military personnel, emphasizing that the strikes were not intended for regime change.
Satellite imagery has shown evident damage to the Fordo nuclear site, including new craters and signs of blasting. The Iranian Atomic Energy Organization condemned the US actions as a "barbaric violation" of international law, arguing that they had removed sensitive materials from the sites prior to the attack.
Reacting to the US strikes, Iran launched missile strikes targeting Israeli cities, resulting in numerous injuries. President Masoud Pezeshkian stated that the US must face consequences for its actions, hinting at further military responses. Analysts suggest Iran's potential strategies include retaliating swiftly, choosing a deliberate pause before strikes, or pursuing diplomatic means to avoid conflict escalation.
Political reactions in the US show a split among Republicans, with some expressing strong support for the actions while others, like Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene, have voiced opposition. Amidst the growing tension, world leaders from the UK, France, and Germany are urging restraint, while UN Secretary-General António Guterres characterized the strikes as a "dangerous escalation."
The conflict has roots in a series of Israeli strikes on Iranian military sites earlier this month, prompting a cycle of mutual aggression. As diplomatic pathways diminish, the situation remains volatile, with both nations poised for further confrontation. The international community watches closely, hoping for a return to dialogue amidst the rising threat of military engagement.