“Operation Midnight Hammer” hit Fordo, Natanz and Isfahan; Pentagon says damage was “extremely severe.”
US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth says America “does not seek war” with Iran, despite Sunday’s bombing of three nuclear sites under “Operation Midnight Hammer.” Speaking at the Pentagon alongside General Dan Caine, Hegseth stressed the mission was “not about regime change.” Caine confirmed strikes on Fordo, Natanz, and Isfahan caused “extremely severe damage,” though full assessments are pending.
The Pentagon revealed that seven B-2 bombers flew 18 hours from the US to drop 14 bunker-busters, while 75 precision-guided munitions, including Tomahawk missiles, were launched. Over 125 aircraft participated. Congress was only notified after US planes had exited Iranian airspace.
Vice President J.D. Vance said the attack “substantially delayed” Iran’s nuclear progress, contradicting a March intelligence assessment that Iran was not pursuing a weapon. Meanwhile, Secretary of State Marco Rubio claimed, without evidence, that Iran has enough enriched uranium for 9–10 bombs, asserting the world is “safer and more stable” post-strike.