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Operation Midnight Hammer: how the United States struck Iranian nuclear sites

The Pentagon reveals details of the raid that destroyed three nuclear facilities in less than 24 hours. B-2 bombers and US submarines with Tomahawk missiles were involved

A lightning operation, lasting just over 24 hours, to strike at the heart of Iran’s nuclear programme. “Operation Midnight Hammer” was outlined at the Pentagon by Chief of Staff Dan Caine, accompanied by Secretary of Defence Pete Hegseth. The raid targeted three strategic sites: Fordow, Natanz and Isfahan.

The attack began on Friday night. B-2 stealth bombers took off from Missouri and followed separate routes: some headed west, via the Pacific and Guam, to distract Iranian intelligence; others headed east with communications reduced to a minimum for an 18-hour flight and multiple in-flight refuelling stops.

At 11 p.m. Italian time (5 p.m. in Washington) on Saturday, the first attack began. An American submarine launched over 24 Tomahawk missiles against infrastructure targets in Isfahan. Fourth- and fifth-generation American warplanes flew at high altitude, simulating an attack to mislead Iranian radars and ensure the safe entry of the B-2s into the airspace.

At 12:40 a.m. Italian time, the first B-2 struck Fordow with two GBU bombs, followed by others that hit Natanz and Isfahan again. A total of 14 bunker-buster bombs were dropped. Shortly afterwards, new Tomahawk missiles struck Isfahan again to seal the operation, which ended around 1:10 a.m. Italian time.

According to the Pentagon, no missiles were launched against American aircraft, confirming the effectiveness of the deception and protection measures. The return to base took place without incident.

According to the US, the operation represents a decisive blow to Tehran’s nuclear ambitions. It now remains to be seen what Iran’s response will be and whether American deterrence will have blocked — or only delayed — a programme that Washington considers an existential threat.

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