Operation Midnight Hammer: Target Iran’s Nuclear Sites in Bold Bid to Halt Bomb Program

Image taken from Maxar Technologies Open source center shared by General Flynn on his X account.

On June 21, 2025, the United States launched a stunning military operation, called "Operation Midnight Hammer," striking three of Iran’s key nuclear facilities—Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan—in a move President Donald Trump hailed as a decisive blow to “obliterate” Iran’s ability to build nuclear weapons. Deploying B-2 stealth bombers armed with massive “bunker buster” bombs and Tomahawk cruise missiles, the U.S. escalated its role in the raging Israel-Iran conflict, raising fears of a wider Middle East war. Iran vowed retaliation, launching missiles at Israeli cities and warning of “everlasting consequences.” As global leaders urge restraint, the strikes leave a burning question: Will they end Iran’s nuclear ambitions or ignite a regional firestorm?

A Historic Strike

The U.S. operation marked a dramatic escalation in the Middle East, following over a week of Israeli airstrikes that weakened Iran’s air defenses and killed key military and nuclear personnel. Trump, in a televised address from the White House, described the strikes as a necessary strike against “the world’s number one state sponsor of terror.” He claimed the attack “completely and totally obliterated” Iran’s nuclear enrichment capabilities, aiming to prevent a nuclear-armed Iran that could threaten Israel, the U.S., and global stability.

The targets—Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan—are central to Iran’s nuclear program. Fordow, a deeply buried uranium enrichment site, was hit with Massive Ordnance Penetrators (MOPs), 30,000-pound bombs designed to destroy fortified bunkers. Natanz, Iran’s primary enrichment facility, and Isfahan, a research hub, were also struck. U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said the operation involved 125 aircraft, including seven B-2s, and missiles launched from a Navy submarine in the Persian Gulf. No U.S. troops were deployed on Iranian soil, and Hegseth emphasized the strikes avoided civilian casualties.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, whose forces had been bombing Iran since June 13, praised the U.S. intervention. “America’s unmatched capabilities ensured that Iran’s nuclear threat is set back significantly,” he said, noting Fordow’s 80-90-meter underground tunnels required U.S. firepower Israel lacked. Israeli President Isaac Herzog called the strikes a victory for the “free world.”

Iran’s Defiant Response

Iran confirmed the attacks but downplayed their impact. State media claimed Fordow was evacuated beforehand, limiting damage, though independent verification is unavailable. Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi condemned the strikes as a “barbaric act” violating international law and the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty, vowing that Iran’s nuclear program would continue. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) warned of a response “beyond the calculations of the aggressor,” hinting at attacks on U.S. bases in Bahrain or Qatar or closing the Strait of Hormuz, a critical oil route.

Hours after the U.S. strikes, Iran launched missile barrages on Tel Aviv and Haifa, injuring 86 people, according to Israeli officials. The attacks, which followed Israel’s earlier strikes, underscored Iran’s willingness to escalate. Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who had warned days earlier of “irreparable damage” to the U.S. for intervening, has yet to issue a formal statement, but hardline outlets like Kayhan called for strikes on U.S. naval assets.

Global and Domestic Fallout

The strikes drew sharp global reactions. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres labeled them a “dangerous escalation,” urging all parties to avoid a catastrophic war. Saudi Arabia and Oman, hosting U.S. bases, expressed concern over becoming targets, while Russia’s Dmitry Medvedev mocked Trump’s “peacemaker” image. European allies like the UK called for de-escalation, warning of oil market disruptions if Iran retaliates in the Gulf.

In the U.S., the strikes sparked political divides. House Speaker Mike Johnson backed Trump’s “America First” approach, arguing the strikes protected national security. Democrats, including Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, criticized the lack of congressional authorization, citing the War Powers Act. “We need transparency on the risks and goals,” Schumer said, as lawmakers demanded briefings.

Will It Work?

Trump’s stated goal—to end Iran’s ability to manufacture nuclear bombs—hinges on the strikes’ effectiveness. U.S. officials claim significant damage, but experts question whether Fordow’s deep tunnels were fully destroyed. Iran’s history of rebuilding after attacks, like the 2010 Stuxnet cyberstrike, suggests it may recover or rely on covert sites. The strikes could delay Iran’s program by years but are unlikely to eliminate it entirely, as North Korea’s persistence shows.

Moreover, Trump’s hope that the strikes will force Iran to negotiate a new nuclear deal faces skepticism. Iran’s theocratic regime, led by Khamenei, thrives on defying the “Great Satan.” Araghchi’s accusation of U.S. “betrayal” in prior talks and Iran’s immediate missile strikes on Israel signal retaliation over diplomacy. The strikes may instead harden Iran’s resolve to pursue a bomb to deter future attacks.

A Region on Edge

As the dust settles, the Middle East stands at a crossroads. Iran’s next move—whether missile strikes, proxy attacks via Hezbollah, or oil disruptions—could dictate the conflict’s trajectory. The U.S. and Israel brace for retaliation, while global markets watch the Strait of Hormuz nervously. Trump insists his “peace through strength” approach will bring Iran to the table, but the ayatollah’s defiance suggests a long, volatile road ahead.

Stay tuned for Wecu Media’s continued coverage on the strikes’ implications, from regional risks to U.S.-Iran relations.