US Attack on Iran Nuclear Sites: Details
- In a surprise move, the United States launched a massive airstrike against iranian nuclear facilities Saturday night, codenamed Operation Midnight Hammer.
- The highly classified mission, planned over several months, caught Iran off guard, even as diplomatic talks were ongoing, the Pentagon said.
- The GBU-57 bombs, each weighing over 13 tons and costing 17 million euros, are designed to penetrate up to 60 meters underground before detonating.
The United States unleashed a stunning airstrike against Iranian nuclear facilities on Saturday night, code-named Operation Midnight Hammer, targeting key sites like Fordo, Natanz, and Isfahan.This unprecedented military action, utilizing B-2 bombers and the powerful GBU-57 bombs, aimed to cripple Iran’s nuclear program. President Trump quickly announced the mission’s success via social media,escalating tensions in the region. The highly coordinated attack, planned in secrecy, involved over 125 aircraft. This decisive move, which the Pentagon said caught Iran off guard, has major consequences for global nonproliferation efforts. For more, visit News Directory 3, where we delve deep into this breaking story. Discover what’s next, and the geopolitical implications.
U.S. Launches Airstrikes on Iran Nuclear Facilities
Updated June 23, 2025
In a surprise move, the United States launched a massive airstrike against iranian nuclear facilities Saturday night, codenamed Operation Midnight Hammer. The operation, which involved the most extensive use of B-2 bombers in history, aimed to cripple Iran’s nuclear program, according to U.S. officials.
The highly classified mission, planned over several months, caught Iran off guard, even as diplomatic talks were ongoing, the Pentagon said. Air Force Gen. Dan Caine, head of the Joint General Staff, noted that only a select few in Washington were privy to the timing and nature of the attack. The U.S. deployed B-2 bombers equipped wiht GBU-57 bombs,along with Tomahawk missiles launched from submarines.
The initial strike occurred around 7 p.m. U.S. time (2:35 a.m. in Iran) on June 21. The GBU-57 bombs, each weighing over 13 tons and costing 17 million euros, are designed to penetrate up to 60 meters underground before detonating. the primary targets included the fordow nuclear facility, where critical areas are buried between 80 and 90 meters deep.
Following the initial detonations, subsequent attacks achieved their remaining objectives.By 7:30 p.m. (3:00 a.m. in Iran), the B-2 bombers began their return journey, encountering no resistance. “The Iranian fighters did not take off, and it seems that their Earth-Aire missile systems did not detect our presence,” Gen. caine stated.
Shortly after, at 7:46 p.m., President Trump announced the news via social media. “We have completely completed our attack against the three nuclear facilities of Iran, including Fordo, Natanz and Isfahan. All airplanes are now out of the Iranian airspace,” Trump wrote.
later that night,at 11:10 p.m., Trump addressed the nation from the White House, accompanied by Vice President JD vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth. “This cannot continue,” Trump warned. “There will be peace or a tragedy for Iran much greater than what we have witnessed in the last eight days.”
The bombers returned to Whiteman Air Force Base on June 22,concluding a mission involving over 125 aircraft,including seven B-2 bombers,refueling tankers,reconnaissance,and fighter planes. A total of 75 bombs and missiles were deployed, marking the longest B-2 mission as the September 11, 2001, attacks.
What’s next
The long-term geopolitical ramifications of the U.S.airstrikes on iran’s nuclear facilities remain uncertain, but tensions in the region are expected to escalate, with potential retaliatory actions from Iran and its allies.