OPERATION MIDNIGHT HAMMER. TAKEAWAYS FROM THE IRAN BOMB CAMPAIGN

On June 22, 2025,[note 1] the United States Air Force and Navy attacked three nuclear facilities in Iran under the codename Operation Midnight Hammer, as part of the Iran–Israel war. The Fordow Uranium Enrichment Plant, the Natanz Nuclear Facility, and an unspecified site in Isfahan, were targeted with fourteen GBU-57A/B MOP 30,000-pound bombs carried by Northrop B-2 Spirit stealth bombers and by Tomahawk missiles fired from submarines.[1][3] The attack was the United States' first offensive action of the Israel-Iran war, which began on June 13 with surprise Israeli strikes.[4][5]

United States president Donald Trump announced the "very successful attack" via Truth Social.[3] Congressional Republicans largely supported Trump's action, while most Democrats and some Republicans were concerned about the constitutionality of the move.[1] The international community generally reacted with alarm and worry about Iranian retaliation and further escalation.