Satellite images reveal extensive damage after U.S. airstrikes hit Iran’s Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan nuclear facilities, marking a dramatic escalation in tensions between Washington and Tehran.
U.S. Launches "Bunker Buster" Strikes on Iran’s Nuclear Program
In a decisive military move, the United States carried out precision airstrikes targeting three of Iran’s most critical nuclear sites—Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan—using advanced "bunker buster" bombs. President Donald Trump declared the operation a "spectacularly successful" mission that "totally obliterated" Iran’s nuclear capabilities.
This attack represents a significant shift in U.S. policy, as Washington directly joins Israel’s military campaign against Iran’s nuclear program. The strikes follow months of rising tensions, including Israel’s recent unprovoked attacks on Iranian nuclear and military sites.
Targeted Nuclear Facilities in Iran
The U.S. military focused its assault on three high-value nuclear installations:
Fordow Fuel Enrichment Plant – A heavily fortified underground facility near Qom, designed to withstand conventional airstrikes.
Natanz Nuclear Facility – Iran’s primary uranium enrichment complex, located in the central region of the country.
Isfahan Nuclear Technology Center – A crucial research and uranium conversion facility south of Isfahan city.
Operation Midnight Hammer: How the Attack Unfolded
According to General Dan Caine, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, the operation—codenamed "Midnight Hammer"—was executed with precision:
A fleet of seven B-2 stealth bombers embarked on an 18-hour mission from the United States, employing decoy maneuvers to evade Iranian air defenses. Over 125 aircraft, including fighter jets, refueling tankers, and surveillance planes, supported the mission.
The assault began with Tomahawk missiles launched from a U.S. submarine, striking surface infrastructure at Isfahan. Shortly after, the lead B-2 dropped two GBU-57 Massive Ordnance Penetrators (MOPs) on Fordow, followed by a total of 14 bunker-busting bombs across Fordow and Natanz.
All three nuclear sites were struck between 10:40 PM and 11:10 PM GMT, with Fordow being the primary target. The Pentagon described this as the largest B-2 combat operation in U.S. history.
Why Did the U.S. Attack Iran’s Nuclear Sites?
The U.S. and Israel have long accused Iran of secretly developing nuclear weapons, despite repeated denials from Tehran and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). The attack follows:
Israel’s recent strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities, escalating tensions over Iran’s uranium enrichment activities, and increasing military coordination between the U.S. and Israel against Iran’s nuclear ambitions.
What Comes Next?
Iran has vowed "severe retaliation," raising fears of a broader regional conflict. The immediate aftermath has seen:
Global oil prices surging due to fears of supply disruptions, U.S. forces in the Middle East on high alert for potential Iranian counterstrikes, and heightened diplomatic tensions at the United Nations Security Council.
Final Thoughts
The U.S. airstrikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities mark a pivotal moment in Middle East geopolitics. With satellite imagery confirming significant damage, the international community is bracing for Iran’s next move.
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