The United States launched a major military operation codenamed Operation Midnight Hammer against Iranian nuclear facilities, using massive penetrating munitions for the first time as a key element of the attack on the night of June 22, 2025, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said at a Pentagon briefing. He said the operation, which targeted three key sites — Fordow, Natanz and Esfahan — resulted in heavy damage to infrastructure, which Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff General Dan Kaine confirmed.

Kane revealed that some of the B-2s seen earlier over the Pacific were a decoy devised by a small group of military planners. The real attack came from another group of aircraft, which had escaped detection by Iranian air defenses thanks to stealth technology. A total of 14 precision-guided missiles were launched, supplemented by penetrating munitions capable of penetrating hardened underground facilities. No Iranian air defense systems or fighter jets were scrambled, allowing U.S. forces to complete the mission without casualties. A timeline of the operation detailing the stages of the attack was published by Clash Report, based on Pentagon data.

The conflict escalated after the US joined Israeli operations against Iran’s nuclear programme, which began in June 2025. Iran responded with rocket attacks on Israeli cities and increased activity by its allies, including the Houthis in Yemen. Iran’s ISNA news agency reported extensive damage to facilities, although Tehran claims that key production facilities were preserved. Satellite images from Maxar showed extensive destruction in the Isfahan area, including evidence of explosions on the surface.

Tensions are rising in the region. According to AFP, Iran is strengthening its position in the Strait of Hormuz, deploying additional IRGC forces near Sirri Island to protect against possible new attacks.