### U.S. Military Strikes Iran's Nuclear Facilities: Operation Midnight Hammer In a significant escalation of military action, the U.S. Department of Defense has confirmed that B-2 Spirit stealth bombers conducted precision strikes on Iran's nuclear facilities as part of "Operation Midnight Hammer." This operation involved a coordinated attack on key sites, including Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan, utilizing advanced bunker-buster bombs designed to penetrate deep underground. The operation has raised international concerns regarding nuclear proliferation and regional stability, especially given the historical context of U.S.-Iran relations. ### Breakdown of the Operation and Its Implications 1. **Mission Overview** - The operation involved **seven B-2 bombers** flying an **18-hour mission** from Whiteman Air Force Base in Missouri to Iran, where they dropped **14 bunker-buster bombs** on critical nuclear sites [https://www.ndtv.com/world-news/watch-us-official-video-of-b-2-bombers-taking-flight-to-attack-iran-8748500]. - The bombers returned safely to the U.S. after the mission, with no reported casualties among the crew [https://www.wghn.com/2025/06/22/b-2-bombers-from-iran-mission-return-to-missouri]. 2. **Technical Details of the Bombs Used** - The U.S. employed **GBU-57 bunker-buster bombs**, each weighing approximately **30,000 pounds**, capable of penetrating about **200 feet** underground before detonating [https://www.armytimes.com/news/your-military/2025/06/22/here-are-the-bunker-buster-bombs-used-on-irans-fordo-nuclear-facility]. - These bombs are specifically designed for deep penetration, making them effective against fortified targets like the Fordow facility [https://www.ndtv.com/world-news/what-are-b-2-spirit-stealth-bombers-bunker-busters-that-us-donald-trump-used-to-strike-iran-nuclear-sites-fordow-8729000]. 3. **International Reactions and Consequences** - The strikes have prompted a range of reactions from global leaders, with concerns about potential escalation in the Middle East and the implications for nuclear non-proliferation efforts [https://www.republicworld.com/world-news/us-releases-new-video-of-b-2-bombers-taking-off-for-and-returning-from-iran-after-airstrikes]. - The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) reported no immediate radiation leaks following the strikes, although there were indications that Iran had evacuated some facilities prior to the attack [https://www.indiatoday.in/world/story/us-dropped-6-gbu-57-bunker-buster-bombs-on-fordow-nuclear-site-in-iran-report-2744353-2025-06-22]. ### Summary of Findings **Key Conclusions:** 1. The U.S. military successfully executed a long-range strike on Iran's nuclear facilities, marking a significant military engagement in the region. 2. The use of advanced B-2 bombers and bunker-buster bombs underscores the U.S. commitment to countering perceived threats from Iran's nuclear ambitions. 3. The operation has heightened tensions in the Middle East, with potential ramifications for international relations and nuclear non-proliferation efforts. **Supporting Evidence:** - The B-2 bombers completed a **37-hour non-stop mission**, refueling mid-air to ensure the success of the operation [https://english.mathrubhumi.com/news/world/us-b-2-bombers-flew-non-stop-for-37-hours-refuelled-mid-air-before-hitting-nuclear-plants-in-iran-gfleojik]. - The precision of the strikes and the choice of targets reflect a strategic approach to neutralizing Iran's nuclear capabilities [https://www.straitstimes.com/world/united-states/us-b-2-bombers-bunker-busters-and-alternatives-how-us-strikes-irans-nuclear-sites]. This operation not only demonstrates the U.S. military's capabilities but also raises critical questions about the future of U.S.-Iran relations and the broader geopolitical landscape in the Middle East.