US Central Command targeted three of Iran’s nuclear sites—Fordow, Natanz, and Esfahan—with strikes aimed at dismantling or significantly impairing the country’s nuclear capabilities (DoD). “Operation Midnight Hammer” utilized B-2 stealth bombers to drop over a dozen “bunker-buster” bombs on the facilities. In addition to these strikes, Tomahawk missiles targeted Isfahan. At least 18 structures were destroyed or significantly damaged following the strikes. (CNN). The entire operation involved misdirection and deception tactics to insure the element of surprise (NY Times). Despite President Trump’s statement that the U.S. “obliterated” the targets, a report issued by the Defense Intelligence Agency reveals that the facilities were not entirely destroyed. In fact, the uranium enrichment centrifuges remain largely intact (Fortune). There have been no reports of casualties associated with this event.
Date of event: June 22, 2025
Impact:
- Significant damage to three of Iran’s nuclear sites (DoD)
- Significant damage to at least 18 structures (CNN)
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