
Pentagon Confirms Successful Strike on Three Nuclear Sites
US military leadership provided comprehensive details Sunday morning on Operation Midnight Hammer, the unprecedented military operation that targeted three of Iran’s key nuclear enrichment facilities. General Dan Caine, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, confirmed that all planned targets were successfully struck, inflicting extensive damage on Iran’s nuclear infrastructure.
Speaking at a Pentagon press briefing alongside Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, General Caine revealed that seven B-2 stealth bombers dropped 14 bunker-buster bombs on the Fordow and Natanz facilities, while more than two dozen cruise missiles targeted the Isfahan site. The operation also involved over 100 additional aircraft in support roles.
Comprehensive Military Assessment Released
The attack marks a major escalation in the burgeoning conflict between Iran and Israel, with the United States now directly engaged in military action against Iranian nuclear facilities. General Caine emphasized that initial battle damage assessments indicate all three sites sustained “extremely severe damage and destruction,” though a complete evaluation of Iran’s remaining nuclear capabilities will require additional time.
Secretary Hegseth described the Fordow nuclear facility as the “primary target” of the operation, stating that the US believes it “achieved the destruction of capabilities” at the heavily fortified underground site. The B-2 bomber is the only US aircraft capable of carrying bunker-busting bombs thought able to penetrate Iran’s Fordow nuclear enrichment facility.
Limited Scope, Strategic Objectives
Pentagon officials stressed that Operation Midnight Hammer was carefully designed with limited objectives focused exclusively on Iran’s nuclear program. Secretary Hegseth emphasized that the strikes “did not target Iranian troops or the Iranian people” and reiterated that the Trump administration continues to seek peaceful resolution with Iran.
The operation’s planning was restricted to a limited number of officials, with the US conducting sophisticated deception efforts to disguise military preparations. General Caine noted that while Israeli operations over the previous week helped facilitate the US strike, Israel was not directly involved in the overnight operation.
Remarkably, Iran offered no military resistance during the operation, with General Caine confirming that Iranian forces “did not fire a single shot at US forces or even deploy fighter jets” during the mission.
Diplomatic Efforts Continue Alongside Military Action
Vice President JD Vance clarified the administration’s position in Sunday television interviews, emphasizing that the United States is “not at war with Iran” but rather “at war with Iran’s nuclear program.” The Vice President stressed that the US does not seek regime change but instead pursues peace with a non-nuclear Iran.
Vance explained that the military action followed Iran’s pattern of “stonewalling” diplomatic negotiations, with the administration concluding in mid-May that talks had become stagnant. He noted that Iran had been using diplomatic discussions as cover to advance their nuclear program rather than engaging in good faith negotiations.
The Vice President also addressed concerns about potential Iranian retaliation, describing any decision by Iran to close the Strait of Hormuz as “suicidal” given that nation’s economic dependence on the waterway. The UN Security Council met on Sunday to discuss the US strikes as Russia, China and Pakistan proposed a resolution calling for an immediate ceasefire.
Strategic Window for Action
Administration officials revealed that the US operated within a “limited window” to conduct the strikes against Fordow, with Vance noting that such operations might not have been feasible in six months. This timing consideration appears to have influenced the decision to proceed with military action despite ongoing diplomatic efforts.
The strikes were conducted based on American intelligence assessments, not Israeli intelligence, according to Vice President Vance. He stated that US intelligence had concluded Iran was not interested in serious negotiations while continuing to advance their nuclear weapons capabilities.
Regional Security Implications
Air raid sirens sounded across most of Israel on Sunday, sending millions of people to safe rooms, indicating the potential for Iranian retaliation. General Caine confirmed that US forces throughout the region have increased protective measures and remain “on high alert” to respond to any Iranian retaliation or proxy attacks.
The Pentagon emphasized that the safety of US service members and civilians remains the highest priority as the situation continues to develop. Secretary Hegseth warned that any Iranian retaliation would be met with swift and decisive response, while maintaining that the US hopes Iran will choose the path of negotiation.
Vice President Vance asserted that the operation has “substantially delayed” Iran’s nuclear weapons development by “many, many years,” achieving the primary objective of the mission. He emphasized that Iran no longer possesses the capacity to convert their stockpiles of highly enriched uranium to weapons-grade material.
Congressional and Legal Considerations
The administration faced questions about congressional authorization for the strikes, with some Democrats and Republicans questioning the legal basis for the operation. Vice President Vance defended the action, arguing that the President has constitutional authority to “act to prevent proliferation of weapons of mass destruction.”
Congressional leaders were notified about the operation only after US aircraft had departed Iranian airspace, highlighting the sensitive nature of the mission planning and execution.
Looking ahead, the administration indicated willingness to engage in serious negotiations with Iran about permanently dismantling their nuclear weapons program, while maintaining military readiness to respond to any escalatory actions.
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