U.S. bombs three Iranian nuclear sites; strikes Fordow, Isfahan and Natanz sites

Operation Midnight Hammer: A Coordinated Strike

On June 21, 2025, the U.S. Air Force and Navy executed a meticulously planned 25-minute airstrike involving

• 14 GBU-57A/B Massive Ordnance Penetrator (MOP) bombs dropped by seven B-2 Spirit stealth bombers,

• Over two dozen Tomahawk cruise missiles launched from a U.S. Navy submarine.

The operation was conducted with precision, utilizing diversionary tactics and suppression of enemy air defenses to maintain the element of surprise. Notably, the B-2 bombers flew non-stop from Whiteman Air Force Base in Missouri, covering approximately 18 hours to reach Iranian airspace. The targets included:

• Fordow Uranium Enrichment Facility: Located underground near Qom, Fordow is one of Iran's most heavily fortified nuclear sites. Satellite images show multiple bomb entry points along the ridge above the facility, indicating significant damage. The fate of the 400 kg of 60% enriched uranium previously stored there remains unclear. 

• Natanz Nuclear Facility: Situated in central Iran, Natanz is a key site for uranium enrichment. The strike reportedly caused extensive damage to the facility's infrastructure.

• Isfahan Nuclear Technology Center: Located in central Iran, Isfahan is involved in various nuclear research activities. The attack targeted critical components of the facility

???? Official Statements and Reactions

• President Donald Trump hailed the operation as a "spectacular military success," declaring that Iran's nuclear capabilities had been "completely and totally obliterated." He emphasized that the U.S. aircraft had safely returned and called for peace, stating, "NOW IS THE TIME FOR PEACE." en.wikipedia.org+2businessinsider.com+2axios.com+2aljazeera.com

• Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth described the operation as a decisive blow to Iran's nuclear ambitions, noting that the use of bunker-buster bombs and Tomahawk missiles effectively crippled the targeted sites. nypost.com+3businessinsider.com+3aljazeera.com+3

• Iranian Officials have condemned the strikes, asserting their right to self-defense and warning of potential retaliation. The Iranian government maintains that its nuclear program is for peaceful purposes and has denied allegations of pursuing nuclear weapons.

???? International Implications

The U.S. strikes have drawn varied reactions from the international community:

• Israel has expressed strong support for the U.S. action, viewing it as a necessary step to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons.

• European Union leaders have called for restraint and dialogue, urging all parties to de-escalate tensions and return to diplomatic negotiations.

• United Nations officials are convening emergency meetings to address the situation and assess the potential for further escalation in the region.

???? Ongoing Assessments

While U.S. officials have declared the operation a success, a full damage assessment is still pending. The Pentagon has acknowledged that the extent of destruction, particularly at the heavily fortified Fordow facility, is not yet fully determined. Iran's response in the coming days will be critical in shaping the future course of the conflict