The United States has initiated military action against Iran’s nuclear program. It’s important to consider what that implies; this has already occurred, and now, the task at hand is to forecast the subsequent developments. To grasp the seriousness of the situation, a bit of background is essential.
Since 1979, Iran has essentially been in conflict with the U.S., although it might not openly acknowledge it.
We are facing a pivotal moment—a potential strategic triumph or a significant escalation globally. It’s a critical time.
This all began with the Hostage Crisis, during which 66 Americans were taken captive and 52 held by an extremist Islamic regime for over a year. In the years that followed, another 17 Americans lost their lives in a series of attacks, including the U.S. Embassy bombing in Beirut, which also claimed 241 Marines from a barracks bombing.
The Khobar Towers bombing in 1996 took 19 more American lives, with Iran linked to that attack.
In both Iraq and Afghanistan, Iran-backed groups have been responsible for the deaths of hundreds of American troops, from 2001 to 2020 in Afghanistan, and from 2003 to 2011 in Iraq, mainly through IEDs and tactical support.
Furthermore, Iranian operatives have plotted assassinations on U.S. soil in 2011, 2021, and again in 2024. Yet, there has been little response from the U.S.
Historically, U.S. retaliation has been common, but this weekend marked a change. President Donald Trump ordered a decisive strike, and our military’s execution was remarkable.
Operation Midnight Hammer
The operation was identified as Operation Midnight Hammer. It involved 175 U.S. aircraft, including a notable 12 B-2 stealth bombers, out of a limited fleet of 19. These bombers are incredibly sophisticated and have been maintained in a state of readiness by advanced technologies.
To mislead Iranian radar and intelligence, some bombers directed west towards Guam while others moved east towards the actual target.
As the B-2s neared Iranian airspace, U.S. submarines launched numerous Tomahawk missiles at Iran’s fortified nuclear sites. Shortly after, the bombers released 14 massive ordnance penetrators, designed to penetrate the earth and destroy underground bunkers. These sizable bombs are extremely accurate, with claims that they can hit a target the size of a soda can from 15,000 feet.
This mission was specifically designed for this strike, with rehearsals conducted over the past 15 years.
If satellite imagery is accurate, it appears the nuclear facility was utterly devastated, likely with assistance from Israeli sources for verification.
This operation illustrated strategic brilliance in execution and deterrence capability—proof that only the U.S. could successfully carry out such an operation. We have reason to take pride in our military and what it can achieve.
What’s next?
The Iranian response remains uncertain but can provoke serious concerns. Tehran was able to strike at U.S. forces in the region, launching 20 missiles at bases in Qatar, Syria, and Kuwait, but these were ineffective. There’s a looming fear they might unleash proxies like Hezbollah for attacks closer to home.
Iran has also threatened to shut down the Strait of Hormuz, a critical route for almost one-fifth of the world’s oil supply. Over the weekend, Iran’s parliament started the process to potentially implement this. If the Supreme Council and Ayatollah approve, oil prices could surge to exorbitant levels, possibly $150 or even $200 a barrel.
This could have disastrous consequences.
When oil hit $130 in 2008, the financial strain was immense. It’s hard to see how Western economies, including our own, can operate with oil prices above $120. If this conflict deepens and the strait gets closed, it would have a dramatic impact on the global economy.
This action raises questions regarding the stability of the Iranian regime. Will it provoke an insurrection, or will the government respond with harsh measures against dissenters?
Initial reactions seem suggestive of crackdowns. Reports indicate hundreds of arrests and at least one dissident executed on espionage charges. The regime’s notorious “moral police” is back in the streets, monitoring citizens closely.
The U.S. Embassy in Qatar has advised Americans to take shelter.
Both Russia and China have condemned the strike. A senior Iranian official visited Moscow soon after, signaling a deepening alliance that warrants concern.
Now we wait
We are standing on the precipice of either an extraordinary strategic victory or a serious global crisis. This moment did not begin with President Trump; he’s inherited a complex situation and acted decisively.
What sets him apart is that he did what was needed. No more just sending cash or signing ineffective treaties.
Now, it’s time to hope—hope for peace, for wisdom, and for strength to manage whatever comes next.
