Washington, D.C. — In a significant escalation of military operations, the United States has launched strikes on Iran’s crucial nuclear infrastructure, resulting in extensive damage, according to military officials. General Dan Caine, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, characterized the assault as a decisive blow that utilized tactical deception to mislead Iranian defenses.
During a recent briefing with Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, Caine revealed that the U.S. employed various strategies, such as repositioning B-2 bombers to the Pacific, to divert Iranian attention before executing the strikes. The operation, termed “Midnight Hammer,” reportedly resulted in every precision munition hitting its intended target, effectively targeting major facilities located in Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan.
“The underground facility at Fordow was our primary objective, and we believe we significantly disrupted their capabilities there,” Caine stated. The Vice President, JD Vance, remarked on the magnitude of the operation, suggesting that the U.S. had effectively dismantled Iran’s nuclear capabilities. However, a senior Pentagon official noted that a comprehensive damage assessment is ongoing.
The airstrikes featured the U.S. military’s first use of the GBU-57 Massive Ordnance Penetrator, commonly known as “bunker-buster” bombs. Seven B-2 bombers dropped 14 of these munitions on Iran’s nuclear sites, while a submarine launched over two dozen Tomahawk missiles targeting the Isfahan facility. According to Caine, the operation proceeded without detection by Iranian air defenses.
These strikes deepen the complexity of a conflict that has already been inflamed following attacks by Hamas on Israel earlier this month. Israel’s response included missile strikes on Iranian locations, to which Tehran retaliated by targeting Israeli interests. The recent U.S. intervention adds another layer to an already volatile situation in the region.
Vance emphasized that the U.S. is not seeking to engage in war with Iran, but rather aims to neutralize the threat posed by its nuclear program. “Our mission is focused and clear; we are not looking for prolonged conflict,” he asserted. In the briefing, Hegseth reiterated that the planning and positioning for the strikes had taken considerable time, stressing that the decision to act was made at the highest levels of government.
Hegseth also noted that President Trump intends to evaluate further actions regarding Iran in the coming weeks, underscoring the heightened tensions. “We do not seek war, but we will respond decisively if our interests or those of our allies are jeopardized,” he stated, reinforcing the U.S. commitment to its strategic position in the Middle East.
Caine confirmed that U.S. forces in the area are on heightened alert for any potential Iranian counterattacks or acts by proxy groups. “Our forces are prepared to defend themselves vigorously if needed,” he stated, indicating that the situation remains fluid and dangerous.