US strikes on Iran nuclear sites
On June 22, 2025, the United States launched airstrikes targeting three of Iran’s key nuclear facilities—Fordo, Natanz, and Isfahan—marking a significant escalation in the ongoing Israel-Iran conflict. The operation, codenamed "Operation Midnight Hammer", aimed to cripple Iran’s nuclear enrichment capabilities. Below is a detailed breakdown of the event, including the targets, execution, damage assessment, and technical specifications of the weapons used.
Overview of the Event
The strikes were carried out overnight on June 21–22, 2025, following Israel’s earlier attacks on Iranian nuclear and military sites beginning June 13. The U.S. intervention came amid growing concerns over Iran’s nuclear program, with former President Donald Trump declaring that the strikes had “obliterated” critical nuclear infrastructure. While Iran maintained that its nuclear activities were peaceful, the U.S. and Israel accused Tehran of pursuing nuclear weapons.
Targets and Execution
The operation focused on three major sites:
- Fordo: A heavily fortified uranium enrichment facility buried 80–90 meters beneath a mountain near Qom, designed to withstand conventional attacks.
- Natanz: Iran’s largest uranium enrichment center, partially underground and previously damaged by Israeli strikes.
- Isfahan: A nuclear research and production complex, less fortified but still significant.
The mission involved seven B-2 Spirit stealth bombers, supported by decoy flights and a U.S. Navy submarine. The bombers departed from Whiteman Air Force Base in Missouri, completing an 18-hour flight with multiple mid-air refuelings before striking their targets.
Damage Assessment and Casualties
U.S. officials claimed "extremely severe damage" at all three sites, with satellite imagery showing six craters at Fordo, two at Natanz, and collapsed tunnel entrances at Isfahan. The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) reported no off-site radiation leaks but confirmed "very significant damage" at Fordo due to the use of bunker-buster bombs.
Iranian authorities stated that the sites had been evacuated in advance, minimizing casualties. The Iranian Red Crescent Society reported no deaths, and health officials confirmed no nuclear contamination among the injured.
International Reactions
The strikes drew mixed responses globally. U.S. Republicans largely supported the operation, while Democrats, including Hakeem Jeffries, criticized Trump for bypassing Congress. Iran condemned the attack as a "barbaric violation" of international law, with countries like Mexico and Cuba calling for de-escalation. The IAEA expressed concerns over potential radiological risks.
Weapons Used: Technical Specifications
The U.S. deployed two primary munitions:
GBU-57 Massive Ordnance Penetrator (MOP)
- Type: Precision-guided bunker-buster bomb for hardened, deeply buried targets.
- Weight: 13,600 kg (30,000 lb).
- Penetration: Up to 18 meters (60 feet) of reinforced concrete or 61 meters (200 feet) of earth.
- Warhead: 2,400 kg (5,300 lb) of high explosives.
- Delivery: Carried exclusively by B-2 Spirit bombers (two per aircraft).
- Usage:
- Fordo: 14 MOPs dropped, causing visible craters and debris.
- Natanz: 2 MOPs deployed, creating craters above underground halls.
This marked the first combat use of the GBU-57.
Tomahawk Land Attack Missile (TLAM)
- Type: Long-range cruise missile for precision strikes.
- Warhead: 450 kg (1,000 lb) conventional explosive.
- Range: 1,600 km (1,000 miles).
- Delivery: Launched from U.S. Navy submarines.
- Usage:
- Isfahan: 24–30 TLAMs struck tunnel entrances, causing surface damage.
Operational Details and Satellite Evidence
The B-2 bombers employed stealth and deception tactics, including decoy flights toward Guam, to evade detection. Strikes began around 2:10 AM local time, with satellite images later showing blocked tunnel entrances and structural damage at all three sites.
Critical Analysis and Risks
While the strikes inflicted severe damage, experts believe Iran’s nuclear expertise and potential backup facilities remain intact. The IAEA warned of environmental risks, though no radiation leaks were detected. The attack has heightened fears of further escalation, with Iran vowing retaliation.
Conclusion
The June 22, 2025, strikes demonstrated U.S. military capabilities but fell short of fully dismantling Iran’s nuclear program. The historic use of the GBU-57 MOP underscored the operation’s intensity, yet questions remain about its effectiveness against Fordo’s defenses. The conflict’s broader implications—diplomatic fallout, regional instability, and Iran’s unresolved nuclear ambitions—continue to loom large.
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