In a recent Pentagon press briefing, U.S. military officials detailed a complex operation, dubbed "Midnight Hammer," which targeted Iranian nuclear sites. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Dan Caine explained that the operation involved over 125 aircraft, including B-2 bombers, and utilized a range of deception tactics to ensure surprise.
The operation commenced late Friday with a large strike package of bombers departing from Missouri. As part of a misdirection strategy, some aircraft were reported flying toward Guam, which was intended to divert attention from the actual mission. Meanwhile, a smaller group of bombers, along with refueling aircraft, headed directly for Iran.
Caine noted that minimal communication was maintained during the mission to avoid detection. The operation included high-speed suppression of potential threats from Iranian air defenses, and the main targets were identified as the Fordow and Natanz nuclear facilities. Additionally, a U.S. submarine launched Tomahawk missiles at a third site in Esfahan after the bombers had completed their strikes.
The aircraft deployed approximately 75 precision-guided munitions, including the GBU-57 Massive Ordnance Penetrator, designed for penetrating fortified structures. While the Pentagon leaders characterized the mission as a success, they acknowledged that it is too early to assess the full impact on Iran's nuclear capabilities.
The operation is seen as a demonstration of U.S. military strategy, emphasizing deception and operational security. Pentagon officials suggested it may alter Iran's future calculations regarding its nuclear program, potentially influencing diplomatic negotiations. The response from Iran remains uncertain.