Major US Airstrike on Iranian Nuclear Facilities

The United States conducted a significant military operation targeting Iran’s nuclear sites, labeled “Operation Midnight Hammer.” This attack involved the largest-ever deployment of B-2 Spirit stealth bombers, which completed their longest mission since 2001, flying from the US to Iran.

For the first time in combat, the US used the powerful 15-ton GBU-57 bunker-buster bombs, dropping 14 of these weapons on critical nuclear enrichment facilities in Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan. The operation began inside Iran at approximately 6:40 p.m. ET, with a B-2 bomber launching two GBU-57s at Fordow, followed by other bombers striking additional targets with a total of 14 bunker-busters.

The attack lasted around 25 minutes, but the planning and approach spanned hours beforehand. The main strike team of seven B-2 aircraft departed from Whiteman Air Force Base and executed a covert, highly coordinated infiltration involving multiple in-flight refuelings, minimal communication, and complex maneuvers to avoid detection.

Deception tactics included deploying decoys and supporting aircraft to distract Iranian defenses as smaller fighter jets—F-22, F-35, and F-16—moved into position from bases in Europe. American forces also launched over two dozen Tomahawk cruise missiles from a submarine near Iran to further ensure the element of surprise.

These cruise missiles targeted key surface infrastructure at Isfahan, and the entire operation was executed with utmost precision. Notably, this was the first operational use of the GBU-57A/B Massive Ordnance Penetrator (MOP), one of the world’s most powerful bunker-busting bombs, making the mission historic.

Despite the aggressive strike, Tehran did not reportedly retaliate immediately, though threats of retaliation remain. The US military remains on high alert in the region, especially in Iraq, Syria, and the Gulf, prepared to counter any Iranian or proxy responses.

Overall, Operation Midnight Hammer stands out as one of the most extensive and sophisticated aerial operations against Iran’s nuclear infrastructure to date.