In a previously unreported military operation dubbed “Operation Midnight Hammer,” America’s U.S. This complex operation took place in the dead of night. It was aimed at three key Iranian nuclear enrichment plants. The unprecedented strike was executed by more than 125 aircraft, including stealth B2 bombers. Its objectives were to roll back Iran’s nuclear program without seeking regime change.
U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth addressed the media during an early morning press conference, asserting, “This operation is not and has not been about regime change.” He emphasized the mission’s focus on neutralizing nuclear threats rather than altering Iran’s government structure.
The White House framed Trump’s military action as “targeted, swift, and overwhelming.” The strikes targeted key facilities operated by Iran that served to enrich nuclear materials, including the Fordo facility. According to Hegseth, “Iran’s nuclear ambitions have been obliterated.” This sentiment was echoed by General Dan Caine, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, who reported that “final battle damage will take some time, but initial battle damage assessments indicate that all three sites sustained extremely severe damage and destruction.”
The U.S. military operation was tactical stealth at its best. Some B-2 bombers served as decoys, while others executed a quiet flight to the east with minimal communication during an 18-hour mission. This extensive preparation was designed to ensure that the strikes had the greatest possible effect, while avoiding or minimizing any subsequent retaliation.
Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi condemned the U.S. strikes as “outrageous.” He claimed that Tehran is pursuing all options to protect the sovereignty of the state and its people. He raised alarm bells about increasing U.S. interference in regional conflicts, particularly regarding Israel, warning that this could lead to “irreparable damage.”
Following the operation, Trump hailed the “destruction of Iran’s nuclear enrichment capacity,” indicating a significant shift in U.S. foreign policy towards Iran. United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres joined other world leaders in expressing alarm and condemnation as violence escalates both in Israel and in Palestine.