Operation Midnight Hammer: In one of the most secretive and dramatic airstrikes in recent times, the United States launched “Operation Midnight Hammer” targeting Iran’s underground nuclear sites. The operation was led by seven powerful B-2 Spirit stealth bombers that flew undetected for nearly 37 hours from Missouri to Iran and back. Their mission? To cripple Iran’s nuclear infrastructure — and they did it without anyone noticing.
On June 22 night (Iran local time), these stealth jets dropped 30,000-pound bunker-buster bombs on Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan — Iran’s most important nuclear sites. Along with the bombers, the mission involved over 125 aircraft, including fighter jets, surveillance planes, aerial refuelling tankers, and even a US Navy submarine that fired more than two dozen Tomahawk cruise missiles.
A Mission Wrapped in Secrecy
This wasn’t just an ordinary strike. The US Air Force pulled off a complex deception. While the real bombers flew quietly across the Atlantic and Mediterranean with radio silence, decoy bombers were sent in a different direction to distract radar, military watchers, and media.
Only a handful of top US officials knew about the actual mission. General Dan Caine, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, said, “Our B-2s went in and out and back without the world knowing at all.”
The Attack in Detail
At 6:40 PM ET on Saturday (2:10 AM in Iran), the first B-2 bomber dropped two GBU-57 bunker buster bombs on the Fordow site. Within the next 25 minutes, 14 more bombs hit Fordow and Natanz. Meanwhile, the Isfahan site was bombarded by cruise missiles launched from a submarine.
These bombs are the largest non-nuclear weapons in the US arsenal, designed to penetrate deep concrete bunkers — up to 200 feet. This was the first time such bombs were used in combat.
What Trump and Officials Said
President Donald Trump praised the mission and said it delivered “monumental damage” to Iran’s nuclear programme. “Fordow is gone,” he declared from the White House. “If peace does not come quickly, we will go after those other targets with precision, speed, and skill.”
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth also confirmed that the operation caused “extremely severe damage and destruction” at all three locations.
How Did Iran React?
Iran denied the extent of the damage. It claimed that its nuclear programme remains intact and vowed to respond strongly. However, American and Israeli intelligence sources revealed that the strikes had seriously weakened Iran’s nuclear capacity — even though Iran reportedly managed to move 400 kg of enriched uranium before the attack.
Inside the B-2 Bomber
Each B-2 bomber costs around $2.1 billion and can fly over 6,000 nautical miles without refuelling. With a wingspan of 172 feet and capacity to carry more than 40,000 pounds of weapons, it is among the most powerful aircraft in the world. Interestingly, the aircraft also has modern comforts — a microwave, toilet, and even space for pilots to rest mid-flight.
What Happens Now?
Operation Midnight Hammer is being called the largest B-2 bombing mission in US military history. While the strike has weakened Iran’s nuclear sites, tensions in the Middle East are far from over. The US has warned of further action if Iran retaliates or rebuilds quickly. The world now waits to see how Iran responds in the coming days.
FAQs
What is Operation Midnight Hammer?
It’s a US military mission where stealth bombers attacked Iran’s key underground nuclear sites.
Which sites were targeted in Iran?
Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan — all major uranium enrichment locations.
What kind of weapons were used?
30,000-pound bunker buster bombs and Tomahawk cruise missiles.
Did Iran respond to the strike?
Iran denied major damage and said it would retaliate, though no actions have been confirmed yet.
Why was this operation kept secret?
To prevent Iran’s defence systems from detecting and intercepting the stealth bombers.
How long did the mission take?
Nearly 37 hours for a round-trip from Missouri, USA, to Iran and back.
What was the role of the submarine?
The submarine launched cruise missiles toward the Isfahan nuclear site before the bombers arrived.
