The United States has officially entered Israel’s war with Iran, carrying out a powerful airstrike operation that President Donald Trump hailed as a “spectacular military success” that obliterated three of Iran’s key nuclear enrichment sites.
At approximately 2:30 a.m. IRST on June 22, U.S. B‑2 stealth bombers and submarines launched an operation code‑named Operation Midnight Hammer, hitting Iran’s top nuclear enrichment facilities at Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan.
The U.S. deployed bunker‑busting GBU‑57A/B Massive Ordnance Penetrator bombs—12 dropped on Fordow, two on Natanz—alongside 30 Tomahawk cruise missiles targeting Natanz and Isfahan
U.S. officials say these facilities were at the heart of Iran’s nuclear program.
Trump confirmed the attack in an Oval Office address delivered late Saturday night. This marks the first time the United States has bombed inside Iran since the 1979 Islamic Revolution.
“Iran’s key nuclear enrichment facilities have been completely and totally obliterated. The strikes were a spectacular military success,” Trump declared alongside Vice President J.D. Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. He added that Iran, long labeled the “bully of the Middle East,” must now choose peace or face even harsher consequences.
“If they do not, future attacks will be far greater and a lot easier. There will be either peace or there will be tragedy for Iran far greater than we have witnessed over the last eight days,” Trump warned, vowing that “many targets” remain if Iran refuses to back down.
The U.S. strikes came just days after Trump said he would take two weeks to decide whether to join Israel’s fight against Iran.
Military & Diplomatic Impact
- Satellite imagery suggests severe structural damage to Fordow’s deep underground facilities, though the precise extent remains unverified.
- The International Atomic Energy Agency noted no detectable rise in off‑site radiation.
- Tehran has removed diplomatic credentials, halted talks, and emphasized that “all options” are now open—including potential closure of the Strait of Hormuz and targeting U.S. regional bases.
Missile Exchange & Civilian Effect
Within hours, Iran retaliated by launching over 40 missiles at Israel—many intercepted—but still striking Tel Aviv and Haifa. Casualties in Israel include 23–86 injured, mostly with light wounds. Structural damage was significant—destroyed apartment buildings and a nursing home—but the casualty toll remained relatively low.
Israel answered with counterstrikes on Iranian military positions, as air-raid sirens sounded nationwide.
Global Reactions
- Israel’s PM Benjamin Netanyahu praised Trump, calling the U.S. action “righteous” and a historic pivot.
- Israeli President Isaac Herzog explained that U.S. involvement serves American interests and maintains that Israel is not dragging America into open war.
- Iran’s leadership, including Foreign Minister Araqchi, branded the strikes a violation of international law that warrants “everlasting” repercussions.
- UN Secretary‑General António Guterres stressed the risk of dangerous escalation, urging diplomacy.
- European leaders such as the UK’s Keir Starmer called for renewed negotiations, declaring diplomacy the only route to lasting stability.
The Pentagon confirmed that B-2 stealth bombers, known for carrying the massive GBU-57 bunker-busting bombs, were deployed from Guam for the mission. Military experts say these weapons are designed to penetrate deep underground targets like Iran’s heavily protected nuclear sites.
Homeland Security has raised the threat level, warning of potential cyberattacks and protests targeting American institutions. Security has been bolstered in major cities, while overseas alerts urge U.S. citizens to maintain vigilance..
Trump closed his address with a stern message to Tehran’s leaders: “Tonight’s was the most difficult of them all by far, and perhaps the most lethal. But if peace does not come quickly, we will go after those other targets with precision, speed and skill.”
As missiles continue to fly between Iran and Israel, Trump’s decisive strike has dramatically reshaped the balance of power in the Middle East, with supporters cheering what they see as a clear stand for American strength and the security of Israel.