Washington DC: Former US President Donald Trump on Sunday praised a series of airstrikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities, calling the mission a major blow to Tehran’s nuclear ambitions. The operation, dubbed Midnight Hammer, reportedly targeted three key sites: Fordow, Natanz, and Esfahan.
In a post on Truth Social, Trump wrote:
“Monumental damage was done to all nuclear sites in Iran, as shown by satellite images. Obliteration is an accurate term! … The biggest damage took place far below ground level. Bullseye!”
The strike on the Fordow enrichment facility was carried out at 6:40 p.m. ET on Saturday and involved 14 Massive Ordnance Penetrators (MOPs), or “bunker busters,” dropped by B-2 Spirit stealth bombers. This marked the first combat use of the 15-ton GBU-57 bombs.
Fordow Site Heavily Damaged, Experts Say
Satellite imagery released by Planet Labs PBC showed significant alterations to the terrain above the Fordow site, indicating powerful subsurface explosions. The once brown slopes now appear grey and misshapen, suggesting the bombing may have sealed key access points to the underground facility.
Experts believe the damage is extensive enough to render the site inaccessible without major excavation efforts.
Trump also confirmed the mission’s success in a separate post:
“We have completed our very successful attack on the three nuclear sites… All planes are now outside of Iranian airspace. A full payload of bombs was dropped on the primary site, Fordow.”
B-2 Bombers Fly 37-Hour Round Trip
The B-2 stealth bombers flew a non-stop 37-hour mission from their base in Missouri to Iran and back. Known for their ability to evade radar, these billion-dollar jets are equipped with long-range endurance features, including in-flight rest facilities and a small galley.
Iran’s Supreme Leader Vows Retaliation
Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei responded to the strikes via X (formerly Twitter), warning of continued retaliation.
“The Zionist enemy has made a big mistake… It must be punished and is being punished right now.”
The situation remains tense, with geopolitical observers watching closely for further escalation.
