Pentagon Releases Strike Details on Iranian Nuclear Sites [WATCH]

In a coordinated overnight military strike, the United States launched a major operation against Iranian nuclear facilities, delivering what top military officials described as “extremely severe damage” to three key sites.

The mission, known as Operation Midnight Hammer, was carried out early Saturday morning local time and involved more than 125 aircraft, according to Gen. Dan Caine, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.

Operation MIDNIGHT HAMMER was a success. pic.twitter.com/3SNkHRMWMI

— DOD Rapid Response (@DODResponse) June 22, 2025

Trump’s Sovereign Wealth Fund: What Could It Mean For Your Money?

Speaking at a Sunday briefing alongside Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, Gen. Caine provided details of the U.S. military’s strategic execution. Several B-2 bombers departed from Whiteman Air Force Base in Missouri just after midnight Eastern time Friday into Saturday.

In a diversion tactic, some aircraft headed west while the bombers tasked with carrying out the mission flew east toward the Middle East, refueling in midair before entering Iranian airspace.

Before the bombers reached their targets, a U.S. submarine in the region launched more than two dozen Tomahawk land attack cruise missiles aimed at surface infrastructure associated with Iran’s nuclear program.

This Could Be the Most Important Video Gun Owners Watch All Year

These strikes preceded the use of the Massive Ordnance Penetrator (MOP), a 30,000-pound bomb specifically designed to destroy hardened underground bunkers.

This marked the first operational use of the MOP.

Fourteen of the bombs were dropped on two of the most fortified Iranian nuclear facilities—Natanz and Fordow—between 6:40 p.m. and 7:05 p.m.

Eastern time, which corresponds to approximately 2:10 a.m. local time in Iran.

The third target was not publicly identified. Gen. Caine said there were no known attempts by Iranian forces to fire on U.S. aircraft during the mission, either upon entry or exit.

“This was a highly coordinated and focused strike that utilized some of the most advanced weaponry we possess,” Caine said.

“All three Iranian nuclear infrastructure targets were struck in under 30 minutes.”

“No other military in the world could have done this.” — Gen. Dan “Razin” Caine @thejointstaff doesn’t hold back as he breaks down how Operation #MidnightHammer went off without a hitch. pic.twitter.com/LgTUzhg6SZ

— Fox News (@FoxNews) June 22, 2025

Defense Secretary Hegseth emphasized that the operation was limited in scope and was not part of a broader strategy aimed at changing the Iranian government.

“This is most certainly not open-ended,” Hegseth said.

“It doesn’t mean it limits our ability to respond. We will respond if necessary. The most powerful military in the world is postured and prepared to defend our people.”

Hegseth added that President Donald Trump had authorized the operation as a direct response to threats against U.S. interests in the region.

“What the president gave us was a focused, powerful, and clear mission on the destruction of Iranian nuclear capabilities,” he said.

Although Israeli forces have been conducting their own operations in Iran, their inability to strike deep underground targets like Fordow and Natanz without U.S. assistance played a critical role in President Trump’s decision to proceed.

According to military sources, Israel does not possess the MOP and had been prepared to act using alternative methods but welcomed U.S. involvement to ensure success.

Gen. Caine acknowledged that while the immediate damage to Iran’s nuclear infrastructure was significant, it was too early to determine the long-term effects on Iran’s ability to continue its nuclear program.

“It’s way too early to assess if Iran still has nuclear capabilities,” he said.

Watch the full press conference below:

Following the airstrikes, Iranian officials issued statements threatening retaliation against U.S. forces in the region.

In response, U.S. military bases in Iraq, Syria, and the Gulf have raised force protection levels in anticipation of possible retaliatory action.

President Trump had initially stated on Thursday that he would take up to two weeks to decide whether the U.S. would become directly involved in the escalating situation between Israel and Iran.

However, he authorized the strikes before the end of that time frame, citing an urgent need to neutralize a threat to U.S. national security.

Defense officials have confirmed that further military action remains on the table if Iran chooses to respond with force.

Connect with Vetted Off-Duty Cops to Instantly Fulfill Your Security Needs