US Airstrikes Deal Severe Blow to Iran's Nuclear Facilities
Donald Trump has hailed the recent US military airstrikes, known as Operation Midnight Hammer, saying the strikes caused monumental damage to Iran’s nuclear program. Sharing satellite imagery, Trump highlighted the destruction of Iran’s deeply fortified nuclear sites, especially singling out the Fordow enrichment facility.
Operation Midnight Hammer: Precision Strikes with Massive Ordnance Penetrators
The operation, launched on a Saturday evening at 6:40 p.m. ET, involved deploying 14 Massive Ordnance Penetrator (MOP) bombs from multiple B-2 stealth bombers targeting Iran’s Fordow nuclear site. These 15-ton bunker-busting bombs were used in combat for the first time in this mission.
Trump praised the mission’s execution, stating on social media that “there is not another military in the world that could have done this,” underscoring the complexity and precision involved in striking a site so resistant to typical attacks.
Fordow Nuclear Site Severely Damaged and Inaccessible
Satellite imagery captured after the airstrikes revealed significant changes to the terrain surrounding the Fordow facility. Once shielded deep inside a mountain, the site showed altered slopes and new craters, indicating powerful explosions. Experts suggest the damage is so extensive that the nuclear site’s entry points are now effectively sealed, likely requiring major excavation to regain access.
Trump further detailed the operation, confirming successful attacks on three nuclear sites: Fordow, Natanz, and Esfahan. A full payload of bombs was dropped on Fordow, with all US aircraft exiting Iranian airspace safely.
B-2 Stealth Bombers: The Backbone of the Mission
The B-2 Spirit bombers carrying out the strike embarked on a demanding 37-hour round-trip flight from Missouri to Iran and back. Known for their stealth and advanced technology, these jets feature a wingspan of 172 feet and are designed to evade detection by enemy defenses.
Aside from their military specifications, the B-2 bombers are equipped with comforts for crew endurance during such extended missions, including a restroom, mini refrigerator, and a resting area, enabling pilots to operate continuously. The jets can reach speeds up to 1,000 km/h, making this kind of tactical strike possible.
Iran’s Supreme Leader Responds: 'Punishment Continues'
In response to the US strike, Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei issued a stern warning. Calling the attack a grave mistake, he stated on social media that the “punishment continues,” insisting that the perpetrators must be held accountable and are facing consequences right now.
