U.S. Warns Iran Against Retaliation After Strikes on Nuclear Facilities

The U.S. government issued a firm warning to Iran’s leadership to refrain from retaliating following a major military operation targeting their nuclear sites. The operation, known as “Operation Midnight Hammer,” involved the deployment of advanced B-2 stealth bombers and dropped over a dozen 15-ton bunker-buster bombs on key Iranian nuclear facilities in Fordow, Natanz, and Esfahan.

Defense officials described the mission as a decisive effort to disable Iran’s nuclear capabilities, with initial assessments indicating severe damage to all targeted sites. Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Gen. Dan Caine, noted that it was too early to specify the remaining threat level, but emphasized the significant destruction inflicted.

In a strong statement, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth declared, “This operation demonstrates that American deterrence is back.” He emphasized that the mission was focused solely on Iran’s nuclear infrastructure, not regime change, and conveyed that the U.S. remains open to diplomatic negotiations. The U.S. is also sending both public and private messages to Tehran to encourage re-entry into peaceful talks.

Aerial view of the Fordow underground complex in Iran after airstrikes. — Aerial view of Iran’s Fordow nuclear site following U.S. airstrikes.

Iran’s parliament responded by voting to close the Strait of Hormuz, a critical shipping route that transports about 20% of the world’s oil, risking up to $1 billion daily in oil shipments. Meanwhile, protests erupted in Tehran, with thousands condemning the U.S. and waving pictures of the country’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Khamenei.

Russia and China condemned the strikes, warning of escalation and suggesting that other nations might supply Iran with nuclear weapons. The Department of Homeland Security also issued alerts about potential terrorist attacks against U.S. targets in response to the military action.

President Trump, addressing the nation via social media, hinted at the possibility of regime change if Iran’s leadership fails to make Iran “great again,” signaling a hardened stance. Despite this, officials clarified that the primary goal remains neutralizing Iran’s nuclear threat without pursuing regime change.

Map showing key locations in Iran affected by the strikes. — Map of the targeted Iranian nuclear sites following the strikes.

During the operation, Iran did not reportedly fire any retaliatory weapons, suggesting that the element of surprise was maintained. The mission marked the longest flight of the B-2 stealth bombers since 2001, and officials emphasized that the U.S. aims to respond proportionally and avoid prolonged conflict.