By SCALE UB news team : 23/06/2025

News summary:

In a dramatic escalation, the U.S. launched Operation Midnight Hammer on June 21–22, deploying seven B‑2 stealth bombers carrying 14 Massive Ordnance Penetrator bunker-busters, supported by over 75 precision-guided weapons and dozens of Tomahawk cruise missiles from submarines. Targets included Iran’s deeply buried Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan nuclear sites. The operation marked the first combat use of the 30,000‑lb MOP.thetimes.co.uk+15barrons.com+15ndtv.com+15

Detail news:

1. What Was “Operation Midnight Hammer”?

Dubbed “Operation Midnight Hammer,” this covert U.S. military strike began late on June 21 and hit Iran’s key nuclear facilities—Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan—with surgical precision. It was the largest B‑2 mission since 2003, involving over 125 aircraft and a submarine-launched Tomahawk assault.ndtv.com

2. The Weapons Arsenal

• B‑2 Spirit stealth bombers: Seven B‑2s flew from Missouri on refueling missions, entering Iranian airspace undetected.thetimes.co.uk+6businessinsider.com+6nypost.com+6

• GBU‑57 Massive Ordnance Penetrator (MOP): Fourteen MOPs (aka 30,000‑lb bunker-busters) targeted Fordow and Natanz—the first combat use of this weapon.youtube.com+15businessinsider.com+15nypost.com+15

• Tomahawk cruise missiles: Dozens fired from a U.S. submarine struck Isfahan and Natanz, delivering long-range precision.businessinsider.com+15businessinsider.com+15hindustantimes.com+15

• Precision-Guided Munitions (PGMs): Over 75 PGMs used—with F‑22s, F‑35s, F‑16s, and refueling tankers providing cover.hindustantimes.com+1economictimes.indiatimes.com+1

3. Deception & Execution

Complex deception operations included “decoy” B‑2 flights westward while the real strike force approached from the east. Hunters—F‑22s/F‑35s and anti-radiation jets—suppressed Iranian defenses en route. No U.S. assets were reported lost or engaged.thetimes.co.uk

4. Strategic Firsts & Scale

• Roughly 420,000 pounds of explosives were dropped—a historic scale.apnews.com

• The mission marked the first real-world deployment of the GBU‑57 MOP.thetimes.co.uk+15en.wikipedia.org+15cbsnews.com+15

• It was the second-longest and most massive B‑2 strike in U.S. history.cbsnews.com+5apnews.com+5economictimes.indiatimes.com+5

5. Official Reactions

• U.S. claims: President Trump and Pentagon leaders reported “extremely severe damage” to Iran’s nuclear program, though final assessments are pending.en.wikipedia.org+3airandspaceforces.com+3hindustantimes.com+3

• Iran’s stance: Tehran denies major structural damage and warns of retaliatory measures.apnews.com

• Global response: Allies applauded the tactical success, while critics pointed to a lack of congressional authorization.ndtv.com+13airandspaceforces.com+13businessinsider.com+13

6. Implications & Outlook

• Nuclear program impact: Analysts debate whether underground centrifuges were demolished or merely set back.news.usni.org+15reuters.com+15ndtv.com+15

• Regional risks: Heightened risk of Iranian strikes on U.S. forces or allies.businessinsider.com+15apnews.com+15airandspaceforces.com+15

• Benchmark in modern warfare: A showcase of stealth, cruise missile, PGMs, submarines, and deception working seamlessly.