Just when it felt like the Iran-Israel standoff couldn’t get any hotter, the United States crashed into the conflict like a sledgehammer. Tensions between Tehran and Tel Aviv had been boiling over for weeks—missiles flying, warnings exchanged, nerves frayed. But everything changed when Washington stepped out of the shadows and launched Operation Midnight Hammer, a bold and unprecedented strike on Iran’s nuclear strongholds. Suddenly, this wasn’t just a regional rivalry—it became a high-stakes global flashpoint.
So, what exactly happened during Operation Midnight Hammer? Take a brief look.
Official US Military Briefing:
The Pentagon confirmed that 14 GBU-57 "Massive Ordnance Penetrator" (MOP) bombs were used in the operation.
Each MOP weighs approximately 13,000 kg (30,000 lbs), making it the largest conventional bomb in the US arsenal.
This operation marked the first-ever combat use of the GBU-57.
Conflicting Reports:
While some early reports claimed only 6 bunker-buster bombs were used, this has been contradicted by official sources and major US media outlets, which consistently report the deployment of 14 MOPs.
Bunker-buster bombs are specialized munitions designed to destroy deeply buried or heavily fortified military infrastructure. They are capable of penetrating layers of reinforced concrete, earth, or rock before detonating.
GBU-57 MOP Capabilities:
Engineered specifically for targets like deep nuclear bunkers.
Can burrow tens of meters underground before exploding.
Crucial in reaching facilities designed to be impervious to standard aerial attacks.
Fordow:
Main target of the bunker-buster assault.
A heavily fortified underground uranium enrichment site, built deep into a mountain.
Considered one of Iran’s most secure nuclear facilities.
Multiple MOPs were dropped here to ensure destruction of deeply buried centrifuges.
Natanz:
Also targeted with a limited number of bunker-buster bombs.
This site includes both above-ground structures and underground facilities.
Damage was reported to the buried sections, though most reports emphasize Fordow as the priority.
Isfahan:
Not struck with bunker-busters.
Instead, submarine-launched Tomahawk cruise missiles were used to disable surface infrastructure related to nuclear fuel conversion.
These strikes were intended to cripple operational logistics without penetrating underground.
Seven B-2 bombers departed from Whiteman Air Force Base in Missouri, flying nearly 18 hours each way with multiple aerial refuelings.
Supported by a fleet of over 125 aircraft, including fighter escorts, refueling tankers, radar jammers, and reconnaissance planes.
Strike Package:
14 GBU-57 MOPs dropped on Fordow and Natanz.
30+ Tomahawk cruise missiles launched from submarines in the Arabian Sea, targeting Isfahan and other key sites.
Precision-guided bombs and electronic warfare tactics ensured minimal radar detection.
Timing:
The assault occurred between 6:40 p.m. and 7:05 p.m. Eastern Time (around 2:00 a.m. local time in Iran).
Entire operation was completed in 25 minutes.
All US aircraft exited Iranian airspace undetected and unchallenged.
Outcome:
“Extremely severe damage” reported at Fordow and Natanz.
Destruction of critical enrichment infrastructure, with multiple underground chambers rendered inoperable.
Iranian air defenses failed to detect the incoming bombers.
No US aircraft were lost, damaged, or targeted.
Iran
Abbas Araghchi (Foreign Minister):
"The United States... has committed a grave violation of the UN Charter... outrageous and will have everlasting consequences... Iran reserves all options to defend its sovereignty."
Israel
PM Benjamin Netanyahu:
"Congratulations, President Trump... This will change history... Trump acted to deny the world’s most dangerous regime the world’s most dangerous weapons."
United Nations
Secretary-General António Guterres:
"A dangerous escalation... a direct threat to international peace and security... No military solution. The only hope is peace."
Hamas
Official Statement:
"Brazen aggression... blind obedience to the occupiers’ agenda... We declare our solidarity with Iran."
Saudi Arabia
Foreign Ministry (via X):
"Great concern... Exert all efforts to exercise restraint, de-escalate, and avoid escalation."
Qatar
Foreign Ministry:
"Warns of catastrophic consequences... Calls on all parties to exercise wisdom and restraint."
Oman
Official Statement:
"Deep concern... condemnation of the escalation resulting from U.S. air strikes."
Iraq
Government Spokesperson Basim Alawadi:
"A grave threat to peace and security... serious risks to regional stability."
Russia
Foreign Ministry:
"Irresponsible... flagrantly violates international law... Call for end to aggression."
United Kingdom
PM Keir Starmer:
"Iran can never be allowed to develop a nuclear weapon... The U.S. has taken action to alleviate that threat."
European Union
Kaja Kallas (Foreign Policy Chief):
"Urge all sides to step back... return to the negotiating table... prevent further escalation."
France
FM Jean-Noel Barrot:
"Parties must exercise restraint... Lasting solution requires a negotiated solution."
Germany
Chancellor’s Office (Spokesman Stefan Kornelius):
"Iran must immediately re-enter nuclear talks... Coordinating with EU and U.S. partners."
Italy
FM Antonio Tajani:
"Now we hope de-escalation can begin... Iran can sit down at the negotiating table."