The United States has carried out a series of airstrikes targeting three nuclear sites in Iran, confirming a significant escalation of tensions in the region. President Donald Trump described the strikes as "successful," asserting that the facilities, which include the Fordo, Natanz, and Isfahan sites, have been “obliterated.” The Pentagon noted that the attack's effects will take time to fully assess but observed that all targeted locations have sustained "extremely severe damage."
Operation Midnight Hammer involved extensive coordination with Israel and the deployment of 125 aircraft, including B-2 stealth bombers. Gen Dan Caine explained that the aircraft executed complex maneuvers, launching over two dozen Tomahawk cruise missiles from a US submarine before the bombers entered Iranian airspace. The bombings utilized the GBU-57 Massive Ordnance Penetrators designed to penetrate deep underground facilities like Fordo.
The airstrikes were conducted between 18:40 and 19:05 Eastern Time, with US officials reporting that Iranian air defenses were ineffective during the operation. Although significant destruction was acknowledged, Iran's atomic agency criticized the military actions as a "barbaric violation" of international law, claiming that no major damage occurred since materials from those sites had been relocated earlier.
In a swift response, Iran retaliated with missile strikes targeting areas in Tel Aviv and Haifa, injuring at least 86 individuals. Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian condemned the US strikes and urged for a response, emphasizing Iran's readiness to engage diplomatically, despite issuing warnings to the US.
US lawmakers have had mixed reactions to the airstrikes. While some Republicans voiced support for Trump's actions, others, including Congressman Thomas Massie, questioned their constitutionality, while Democratic leaders warned of potential risks for US entanglement in a wider Middle Eastern conflict. Leading world powers, including the UK, France, and Germany, called on Iran to refrain from actions that could further destabilize the region.
The military actions follow a pattern of escalation between Iran and Israel, which began with an Israeli attack on Iranian nuclear and military targets earlier in June. The cycle of retaliation has intensified fears of a broader conflict, with both sides potentially gearing up for further exchanges as diplomatic negotiations continue to falter.
