U.S. Striking Iran Pentagon Briefing /Def Sec Pete Hegseth & Chairman of the JCS Gen. Dan Caine

he U.S. military conducted a massive, surprise airstrike operation on Iran, targeting its nuclear infrastructure in three key locations, including Esfahan. The strike, called the "Midnight Hammer", occurred around 2:00 AM local time in Iran and involved:

75 precision-guided weapons

14 Massive Ordnance Penetrators (MOPs) (30,000 lbs each) — used for the first time operationally

Over 125 U.S. aircraft, including B-2 stealth bombers, 4th & 5th-gen fighters, refueling tankers, cyber units, and a guided missile submarine

Initial assessments suggest severe destruction at all targeted nuclear sites, though a final battle damage assessment is still pending.

Key points:

Iran did not detect or respond to the incoming strike; its air defenses and fighters remained inactive.

The mission is described as one of the largest B-2 operations in U.S. history, second only to post-9/11 missions.

U.S. forces in the region were placed on high alert before the strike, with no prior warning given to Congress or regional bases about the exact timing.

The operation was not intended for regime change but to neutralize nuclear threats to U.S. interests and allies, particularly Israel.

The administration claims Iran was given ample diplomatic chances to halt enrichment, but stonewalled, prompting military action.

Officials stressed that while this was a limited, focused mission, the U.S. is prepared to respond forcefully to any Iranian retaliation or proxy attacks. Concerns about escalation, alliances with North Korea or China, and fears of another open-ended Middle East war were acknowledged but downplayed, with assurances that this is not a repeat of past conflicts.

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