Unprecedented U.S. Military Operation Targets Iranian Nuclear Sites
On June 21, the United States launched a significant military operation against Iran's nuclear facilities, focusing primarily on the heavily fortified Fordow site. Dubbed 'Operation Midnight Hammer,' this mission involved seven B-2 Spirit bombers and a total of 125 aircraft, deploying over 75 precision-guided weapons, including the massive 30,000-pound bunker-buster bombs known as GBU-57A/B Massive Ordnance Penetrators (MOPs). The Pentagon confirmed that six of these MOPs were dropped on Fordow, with the first bomb uncovering the main shaft, the next four penetrating deep into the facility to cause internal explosions, and the sixth serving as a contingency measure.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth addressed the impact of the strikes during a June 26 press conference, stating, 'If you want to know what's going on at Fordow, you better go there and get a big shovel because no one's under there right now.' Satellite imagery released shortly after the strikes revealed extensive damage to the site, showing cratered terrain, collapsed tunnel entrances, and scorched infrastructure. The underground facility, buried beneath a mountain range, was one of three key Iranian nuclear sites targeted, alongside Natanz and Isfahan.
Strategic Implications and Damage Assessment
The Pentagon has described the strikes as a severe setback to Iran's nuclear ambitions, estimating that the country's nuclear program may be degraded by up to two years. This assessment underscores the precision and destructive power of the U.S. military's approach, particularly at Fordow, which housed critical components of Iran's uranium enrichment operations. However, questions remain about the fate of Iran's near weapons-grade uranium stockpile, with some experts suggesting it may have been moved prior to the attack.
During the briefing, Defense Secretary Hegseth and Gen. Dan Caine highlighted the strategic planning behind the operation but avoided detailed commentary on the uranium stockpile's status. The strikes have escalated tensions in the region, with Iran vowing retaliation. Posts found on X reflect a mix of sentiments, with some users praising the operation as a decisive blow to Iran's nuclear capabilities, while others express concern over potential escalation and broader geopolitical consequences.
Global Reactions and Future Outlook
The international community has reacted with a mix of alarm and cautious support following the U.S. strikes. President Donald Trump announced the operation's success on June 22, emphasizing the destruction of Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan as a necessary step to curb Iran's nuclear threat. The U.S. notified Israel prior to launching the strikes, indicating close coordination with allies in the region amid heightened tensions.
As damage assessments continue, satellite photos provide stark evidence of the devastation at Fordow and other targeted sites. The long-term impact on Iran's nuclear program remains uncertain, with ongoing debates about whether hidden stockpiles or alternative facilities could sustain their efforts. For now, the U.S. military operation stands as a bold statement of intent, reshaping the landscape of nuclear negotiations and regional security dynamics in the Middle East.