Background and Relevance of the Operation
The “Midnight Hammer” operation, a significant military undertaking by the United States, targeted three major Iranian nuclear facilities. This operation is noteworthy as it involved the stealth bombers B-2, marking one of the largest and longest operations ever conducted by this type of aircraft.
How the “Midnight Hammer” Operation Unfolded
On Saturday, a group of B-2 stealth bombers took off from their base in Missouri, seemingly heading towards Guam in the Pacific. This was likely a strategic move to position forces before any potential US decision to strike Iran. However, the actual mission involved seven B-2 bombers flying east for 18 hours undetected, minimizing communications and refueling mid-flight.
As the bombers neared Iran’s airspace, a US submarine launched over two dozen Tomahawk land-attack cruise missiles. US fighter jets flew as decoys, clearing any Iranian fighters or missiles from the skies.
The B-2s launched 14 30,000-pound GBU-57 bombs at the three nuclear sites. Over 125 US military aircraft participated in the operation, according to the Pentagon.
Military Success and Aftermath
From a military standpoint, the operation was a tactical success. General Dan Caine, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs, stated that Iranian forces were unable to fire a single shot at the US aircraft and were completely surprised.
“Iranian fighters did not fly, and it appears their ground-to-air missile systems did not detect our bombers during the mission,” Caine said. “We maintained the element of surprise.”
Caine reported that initial battle damage assessments indicated severe destruction at the targeted sites, though he refused to speculate if any Iranian nuclear capability remained intact.
“We Have Devastated Iran’s Nuclear Program”
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth was more assertive, declaring, “It’s clear that we have devastated Iran’s nuclear program.”
The operation was highly classified, with only a few people in Washington aware of the timing and nature of the plan. Many high-ranking US officials learned about it only on Saturday night through President Donald Trump’s social media post.
Hegseth mentioned that months of preparation ensured the US military was ready if Trump ordered the attacks. Caine noted that the mission itself took only a few weeks to execute.
Unclear Future Developments
Gulf states, hosting multiple US military bases, were on high alert Sunday, weighing the risks of escalating conflict in the region. In anticipation of potential retaliation, the US military dispersed its assets in the Middle East and bolstered troop protection.
Hegseth stated that the US military was positioned to defend in the Middle East and respond to Iran if it continued its threats.
The Trump administration has stated it does not seek a broader war with Iran, but Trump has also warned Iran that the US is prepared to strike additional targets if necessary, using greater force.
Key Questions and Answers
- What was the “Midnight Hammer” operation? It was a US military operation targeting Iran’s major nuclear facilities using stealth bombers B-2.
- Who participated in the operation? Over 125 US military aircraft were involved, including seven B-2 bombers.
- What was the outcome of the operation? The operation reportedly caused severe damage to the targeted nuclear sites, according to initial assessments.
- What are the future implications? The US military remains vigilant and prepared for potential Iranian retaliation, while the Trump administration continues to communicate its readiness for further action if necessary.
