The U.S. launched a massive bunker-buster bombing of Iranâs nuclear sites in âOperation Midnight Hammer.â President Trump warns of further strikes unless Iran backs down. Mixed assessments followâhereâs the full story.
On June 21, 2025, seven Bâ2 stealth bombers dropped fourteen GBUâ57 âMassive Ordnance Penetratorâ bunker-buster bombs on Iranâs Fordow and Natanz nuclear sites, while Tomahawk cruise missiles struck Isfahanâall part of âOperation Midnight Hammerâ apnews.com+2washingtonpost.com+2cbsnews.com+2breakingdefense.com+15en.wikipedia.org+15csis.org+15.
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Fordow & Natanz: Hit with bunker-busters targeting enrichment facilities.
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Isfahan: Struck by cruise missiles, as it’s too deep for MOP bombs timesofindia.indiatimes.comen.wikipedia.org+5csis.org+5timesofindia.indiatimes.com+5.
The Pentagon confirmed it was the largest-ever Bâ2 mission, involving 7 bombers, over 125 aircraft, and extensive mid-air refueling nypost.com+3cbsnews.com+3apnews.com+3.
đŁ Trumpâs Announcement and Goals
President Trump declared the primary objective: obliterate Iranâs nuclear enrichment capabilities, describing Iran as the âbully of the Middle East.â He warned that additional targets could follow unless Iran chooses peace cbsnews.com.
He emphasized the missionâs scale and precision, rejecting concerns that Iran had enough time to secure nuclear materials before the strike thesun.co.uk+5apnews.com+5nypost.com+5.
đ Impact & Mixed Reactions
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IAEA: Confirms âvery considerableâ damage at Fordow, but full impact uncertain en.wikipedia.org+4csis.org+4nypost.com+4.
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Leaked DIA report: Indicates only a temporary setback, possibly just months, not demolition .
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Trump administration & allies: Stand by claims of âmassive damageâ and strategic victory economictimes.indiatimes.com+15businessinsider.com+15aljazeera.com+15.
đĽ Iranâs Response
Iran retaliated with missile launches on Al Udeid Air Base in Qatarâbut suffered no U.S. casualties en.wikipedia.org+3reuters.com+3breakingdefense.com+3.
Supreme Leader Khamenei denied defeat, mocking U.S. claims and vowing that Iran âwon the warâ apnews.com.
đ Broader Implications
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Diplomatic shift: Trumpâs move aligns U.S. strategy with Israelâs Netanyahu, aiming to reshape regional security theaustralian.com.au+1cbsnews.com+1.
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Legal questions: The strike was launched without direct congressional approval; debate ensues under the War Powers Act .
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Future of nuclear diplomacy: Iranian parliament is considering closing the Strait of Hormuz; global players like Russia are closely monitoring next moves csis.org.
đ§ What Comes Next?
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Damage assessments continueâIAEA and U.S. intelligence will determine how deep the setbacks truly are .
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Potential retaliation: Iran has already tested missiles; further escalations in the region remain possible en.wikipedia.org.
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Congressional oversight: Lawmakers will debate the legality and strategy behind the strike, echoing concerns from the Iraq War era .
Bottom Line
âOperation Midnight Hammerâ represents a bold escalation of U.S. policyâtrading Trumpâs traditional anti-war stance for a decisive, high-stakes military maneuver. Whether it’s a legacy-defining moment or a prelude to deeper conflict depends on Iranâs responseâand how intel agencies characterize the lasting effect on Iranâs nuclear capacity.
