U.S. Strikes on Iran’s Nuclear Sites: Operation Midnight Hammer and Its Global Fallout

On June 21, 2025, the United States launched a series of unprecedented airstrikes on three key Iranian nuclear facilities—Fordow, Natanz, and Esfahan—marking a dramatic escalation in the long-standing conflict between Israel and Iran. Authorized by President Donald Trump, this operation, codenamed "Operation Midnight Hammer," was the first direct U.S. military action against Iran.

The strikes aimed to dismantle Iran’s nuclear enrichment capabilities, a persistent concern for the U.S. and Israel due to their perceived threat to regional and global security. This article provides an in-depth analysis of the operation, the military assets involved, the resulting damage, Iran’s reaction and potential retaliation, domestic and international responses—including comments from U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth and Russian President Vladimir Putin—and the broader implications for global stability.

The Operation: "Midnight Hammer"

Operation Midnight Hammer was a meticulously planned and executed mission demonstrating the U.S. military’s global reach and technological sophistication. The operation involved 125 aircraft, including seven B-2 Spirit stealth bombers, which flew an 18-hour nonstop mission from Whiteman Air Force Base in Missouri directly to Iran.

These bombers were supported by a fleet of escort and support aircraft, ensuring operational success and crew safety. Additionally, U.S. submarines launched Tomahawk cruise missiles targeting the Esfahan facility, while the B-2s focused on the heavily fortified Fordow and Natanz sites.