Operation Midnight Hammer: How US Destroyed Iran’s Nuclear Sites
Between Friday and Sunday, Israel and Iran exchanged heavy attacks, and the United States launched a secret military operation called “Operation Midnight Hammer.”
On the evening of 21 June 2025, Israel launched powerful airstrikes deep inside Iran, targeting military bases, missile sites, and nuclear-related buildings. The attacks happened in cities like Tehran, Bushehr, Hamedan, and Kermanshah. Key Iranian military officers and nuclear scientists were killed, and Israel even destroyed a centrifuge workshop at the Isfahan nuclear facility.
Iran responded quickly by firing missiles and drones at Israel. Most were blocked by Israel’s defence systems. Iranian-backed Houthis in Yemen also warned of attacks on US ships if America helped Israel.
In these clashes, 400–600 Iranians, including many civilians, were killed, and hundreds more were injured. Iran’s newly launched Kheibar Shekan missile hit cities like Tel Aviv and Haifa, causing damage and casualties. Iran also used cluster bombs, which are dangerous even after a war ends. Around 24–71 Israelis died and over 270 were injured.
Then, in the early hours of 22 June, the United States joined the fight with a secret mission called Operation Midnight Hammer. Seven US B-2 bombers flew from Missouri, USA and travelled 11,000 km to secretly enter Iran. Their target: Iran’s top nuclear sites – Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan.
The US used the powerful GBU-57 "bunker buster" bombs, which can go deep underground before exploding. These bombs were used for the first time in real combat. The operation was fast and smart—fake bomber movements confused everyone while the real bombers quietly reached Iran.
Within minutes, 14 bunker busters were dropped, badly damaging Iran’s top nuclear centres. President Trump later said the strike was “very successful” and sent a strong message to Iran.
Iran called the US and Israeli attacks a violation of international law and promised to respond. Russia and China have both shown strong support for Iran. Russia even said some countries may now help Iran get nuclear weapons. Putin warned the world that the conflict is growing and could affect everyone.
As the US is part of NATO, any attack on it could lead to a wider war, with European countries also joining in. With Russia and China supporting Iran, there is now a serious fear that this could turn into World War 3.
The world is now watching closely, waiting to see what Iran does next – and whether peace is possible or more war is coming.
