In a dramatic escalation of regional tensions, the United States military launched a major bombing operation targeting three key Iranian nuclear facilities on Saturday evening, June 21, 2025. President Donald Trump declared the strikes a “spectacular military success,” aiming to cripple Iran’s nuclear enrichment capabilities. The operation, codenamed “Operation Midnight Hammer,” saw direct US involvement for the first time in the recent exchange of hostilities between Iran and Israel.
Israel confirmed it acted in “full co-ordination” with the US in planning the sophisticated strikes. While Iranian officials acknowledged the attacks on the facilities, they claimed the sites had been evacuated beforehand and denied suffering a significant blow, a claim potentially supported by satellite imagery showing truck activity at one site prior to the strikes.
What Was Targeted and How?
According to US General Dan Caine, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Operation Midnight Hammer involved a large contingent of 125 US military aircraft. The primary strike package consisted of seven B-2 Spirit stealth bombers that embarked on an 18-hour flight from the US, utilizing decoys and fighter support to evade detection.
Three specific Iranian nuclear sites were hit:
Fordo: A highly fortified uranium enrichment plant built deep inside a remote mountainside near Qom.
Natanz: Iran’s main uranium enrichment complex, located southeast of Tehran, containing vast centrifuge halls both above and below ground.
Isfahan: A nuclear technology center southeast of Tehran, hosting research reactors and facilities for uranium conversion and fuel fabrication.
The assault involved a mix of advanced weaponry. Over two dozen Tomahawk cruise missiles were launched from a US submarine at targets near the Isfahan site just before aircraft entered Iranian airspace. The B-2 bombers then delivered the main punch, dropping a total of 14 GBU-57 Massive Ordnance Penetrators (MOPs), also known as “bunker buster” bombs, on two target areas – identified by US officials and reporting as Fordo and Natanz. This marked the first operational use of the powerful MOP weapon.
General Caine reported that all three targets were struck within a 25-minute window. US forces claimed Iranian fighters did not fly and surface-to-air missile systems failed to detect the incoming aircraft. Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth stated the operation deliberately avoided targeting Iranian troops or civilians, emphasizing it was not about regime change.
Why Bunker Busters for Fordo?
The Fordo facility is considered particularly challenging to target due to its location buried deep under a mountain, estimated to be nearly 300 feet (approx. 91 meters) below the surface. Its construction under heavy rock and protection by anti-aircraft batteries makes it virtually impervious to conventional airstrikes.
Military experts believe only extremely powerful munitions designed for deep penetration, such as the US GBU-57 MOP, could potentially reach and neutralize such a deeply buried site. The 13,000kg (30,000lb) GBU-57 is engineered to penetrate significant depths of earth or concrete before detonating underground. While even the MOP’s success against Fordo’s extreme depth wasn’t guaranteed, it was considered the only viable option available to the US.
Natanz also has underground sections and a history of being targeted, including by the Stuxnet virus and previous attacks attributed to Israel that reportedly destroyed centrifuges and disrupted power. It is known to have enriched uranium up to 60% purity, a level close to weapons grade, raising international concern. Isfahan is crucial for preparing nuclear materials and has also seen previous strikes.
Initial Assessment and Conflicting Claims
General Caine provided an initial assessment indicating “extremely severe damage and destruction” at all three targeted sites, though a full evaluation was expected to take time. President Trump went further, stating the sites were “obliterated” and the Iranian nuclear program “devastated.”
However, Iranian officials quickly contested these claims. Deputy political director Hassan Abedini stated on state TV that the sites had been evacuated “a while ago” and that Iran “didn’t suffer a major blow because the materials had already been taken out.” A senior Iranian source reportedly told Reuters that most highly enriched uranium and personnel were moved from Fordo before the attack. New satellite imagery captured on June 22 showed six fresh craters at the Fordo site, consistent with MOP entry points, but imagery analysts noted the visible debris suggested material blown out* by the explosions underground rather than total surface destruction.
International bodies reported stable conditions. The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and Saudi Arabia confirmed no increase in off-site radiation levels after the strikes.
Escalation and Reactions
The US strikes represent a significant escalation in the already tense conflict that began with Israeli attacks on Iranian targets on June 13, which Iran retaliated against with missile and drone barrages. This direct US military action against Iranian soil marks a dangerous new phase.
Following the US announcement, Iran launched a barrage of approximately 30 missiles targeting Israeli cities, including Tel Aviv and Haifa. Officials reported dozens injured in these retaliatory strikes. Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi condemned the US action as a “barbaric violation” and “lawless,” reserving Iran’s right to respond. An Iranian parliament committee head suggested the strikes could prompt Iran to consider withdrawing from the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT).
Reactions within the US were divided. President Trump, flanked by Vice President JD Vance, Secretaries Hegseth and Rubio, and others including Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard, warned Iran of “far greater” future attacks if diplomacy failed, stating “there are many targets left.” While some Republicans supported the action, others, including Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene, expressed opposition. Leading Democrats like Hakeem Jeffries raised concerns about entanglement in a potentially disastrous Middle East war without congressional authorization, while Senator Bernie Sanders called the strikes “grossly unconstitutional,” sparking debate over presidential war powers.
International reactions largely expressed alarm. UN Secretary-General António Guterres called it a “dangerous escalation” and a “direct threat to international peace and security,” urging restraint. The European Union called for de-escalation and a return to negotiations. The UK supported the US action, citing the threat of Iran’s nuclear program, while Saudi Arabia voiced “great concern” and Oman condemned the strikes. Russia strongly condemned the action, calling it an irresponsible violation of international law.
What Comes Next?
Experts and officials are assessing the potential fallout. Security analysts outline potential Iranian responses, ranging from doing nothing (though risking looking weak domestically) to retaliating forcefully against US interests in the region (bases, naval assets) or using proxy forces, or opting for a delayed surprise attack. US Homeland Security is monitoring for potential physical and cyber reprisals.
President Trump issued a stark warning that any Iranian retaliation against the US would be met with “force far greater than what was witnessed tonight.” The situation is described by some US intelligence officials as “uncharted territory,” with uncertainty regarding the extent and nature of the Iranian regime’s next move. Fears persist that the conflict could spiral into a prolonged war with catastrophic regional consequences.
