U.S. Military Strike on Iran’s Nuclear Facilities
Early Sunday, a press conference was held at the Pentagon featuring Secretary of Defense Pete Hegses and Chairman General Din Dan “Razin” Kane. They discussed the recent U.S. military operation targeting Iran’s nuclear facilities.
“At the direction of President Trump, the U.S. Central Command executed a precision strike overnight against three key nuclear sites: Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan, aiming to either destroy or severely disrupt Iran’s nuclear capabilities,” Hegses reported. He expressed that the operation was a resounding success, emphasizing that the orders from the commander were both strong and precise, focusing solely on the nuclear program and not on the Iranian military or civilian population.
This press briefing came shortly after an address to the nation by President Trump at 10 PM Saturday, where he celebrated the success of the operation.
“This mission showcased the remarkable integration of our alliances and military forces,” Hegses added. “As President Trump noted, while we don’t seek war, we will respond swiftly and decisively to any threats against our people or interests. Iran must heed this message.”
Kane provided further insight into the operation, dubbed the “Midnight Hammer Operation,” which involved multiple submarine launches of Tomahawk land-attack cruise missiles and a significant B-2 Spirit Bomber mission—the longest since 2001.
He noted that the strike package was launched at around 5 PM ET, coinciding with the submarine launches targeting major surface infrastructure.
Trump later confirmed the tactical strikes on Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan through a social media post on Saturday evening. He revealed that several bunker-buster bombs targeted the Fordow site and detailed the deployment of 30 Tomahawk missiles from U.S. submarines.
In his address from the White House, alongside Vice President J.D. Vance and other officials, Trump declared that Iran’s nuclear facilities had been “eliminated” and called for peace, warning that any future aggression would be met with greater force.
“Iran’s nuclear enrichment capabilities have been thoroughly dismantled,” Trump asserted. “They must now choose peace, or face even larger repercussions.”
Trump previously urged Iran to engage in nuclear discussions before the strikes. However, Iran had withdrawn from negotiations planned for June 15 in Oman, prompting Israeli preemptive action to mitigate the Iranian threat.
“The recent military action aimed at Iran’s nuclear facilities marks a crucial moment for U.S. efforts to deter one of the world’s foremost sponsors of terrorism,” he stated. Yet, some lawmakers criticized the absence of Congressional approval prior to the strikes, raising concerns about the potential for escalating conflict.
Iran’s response has been tepid; the supreme leader has not issued statements, while Foreign Minister Abbas Aragchi stated that diplomacy seems off the table following the military action.
In the wake of these developments, discussions are expected between Iranian officials and Russian President Vladimir Putin, as Iran seeks to bolster its strategic partnerships.
