President Donald Trump announced that the pilots of the B-2 bombers, who participated in recent airstrikes against Iranian nuclear sites, will be honored at the White House. During an interview on "Sunday Morning Futures," Trump praised the pilots for their skill and determination, highlighting the challenges they faced during the mission, dubbed Operation Midnight Hammer.
Trump detailed the operational aspects, noting that the B-2 pilots flew for 36 hours in a confined space primarily filled with munitions. He emphasized their precision in striking targets from an altitude of 50,000 feet, describing the targets as being as small as half the size of a refrigerator door. The operation reportedly involved multiple refueling missions while in flight, with the bombers targeting sites at Fordo and Natanz, followed by Tomahawk missile strikes from U.S. submarines on positions in Isfahan.
The president characterized the strikes as necessary to prevent Iran from developing nuclear capabilities and deemed the mission a success. He acknowledged the advanced technology of the B-2 bombers and their ability to penetrate deeply buried targets.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth also commended the pilots and other military personnel involved in the operation, referring to them collectively as "warriors" and praising their flawless execution of the mission. The recognition of these military members underscores the administration's focus on showcasing the capabilities and achievements of U.S. armed forces in complex military operations.