In an unprecedented military mission spanning 20 hours, the United States launched precision airstrikes deep inside Iranian territory, claiming to have “obliterated” Iran’s nuclear capabilities. The operation marks a dramatic escalation in the ongoing Iran-Israel conflict and showcases Washington’s military reach and readiness.
Key Timeline of Operation Midnight Hammer (IST)
June 21, 9:53 AM IST
B-2 Stealth Bombers Depart Whiteman Air Force Base (USA)
Aircraft tracking sources on X detected movements of B-2 bombers departing the Whiteman Air Force Base.
June 21, 11:11 AM IST
B-2 Bombers Head Toward Andersen Air Base (Guam)
The aircraft were observed en route to Guam, a critical U.S. strategic base in the Pacific.
June 21, 5:22 PM IST
Six B-2 Bombers in Transit Confirmed by Fox News
Reports confirmed that six stealth bombers were en route to their staging area for potential operations.
June 21, 10:05 PM IST
Pentagon Denies Strike Order Issued
Despite heavy deployment, the Pentagon stated no official strike order had been given yet, per The Wall Street Journal.
Iran’s Khamenei Reportedly Hiding in Bunker, Names 3 Possible Successors
US Strikes Begin on Iranian Nuclear Facilities
June 22, 4:30 AM IST
Fordow Nuclear Facility Bombed
Iranian state media confirmed that the Fordow underground nuclear facility had been struck by U.S. aircraft.
June 22, 5:20 AM IST
Trump Announces Strikes on Three Iranian Sites
U.S. President Donald Trump publicly announced the bombing of Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan nuclear facilities.
June 22, 5:34 AM IST
Fordow Declared “Destroyed” by OSINT Sources
Citing open-source intelligence, President Trump said Fordow had been completely wiped out.
Trump’s First Public Address Following the Attack
June 22, 7:25 AM IST
Trump Warns of More Strikes If Iran Does Not Pursue Peace
In his national address, President Trump said:
“Iran’s key nuclear enrichment facilities have been completely and totally obliterated… If peace does not come quickly, we will go after those other targets with precision, speed, and skill.”
Behind Operation Midnight Hammer: 125 Aircraft, 20-Minute Precision Raid
Strategic Overview
U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth revealed that the operation involved over 125 aircraft and required months of planning, deception, and secrecy.
Tactical Details Shared by General Dan Caine:
- Mission Duration: 18 hours of flight with multiple in-flight refuellings
- Aircraft Used: Seven B-2 stealth bombers
- Missiles Launched: Over 30 Tomahawk cruise missiles from U.S. submarines in the Persian Gulf and Arabian Sea
- Bombs Dropped: 14 GBU-57 bunker-buster (MOP) bombs
- Facilities Targeted: Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan nuclear sites
- Strike Timing:
- 5 PM EST: Tomahawk missiles launched at Isfahan
- 6:40 PM EST – 7:05 PM EST: B-2 bombers entered and exited Iranian airspace after dropping MOPs on Fordow and other targets
Conclusion: What Comes Next?
The U.S. military’s bold show of force has stunned the international community and brought the Iran-Israel conflict to the brink of wider war. While Washington celebrates a mission it calls a success, questions remain about Iran’s remaining nuclear capabilities and whether peace or retaliation will follow.