Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Gen. Dan Caine reveal the details of "Operation Midnight Hammer" which struck critical sites in Iran, yet uncertainty remains about the state of Iranian nuclear capabilities.
Pentagon Launches High-Stakes Offensive Against Iranian Nuclear Infrastructure
Pentagon Launches High-Stakes Offensive Against Iranian Nuclear Infrastructure
In a meticulously planned operation, the Pentagon targets key Iranian sites amid escalating tensions.
The Pentagon has confirmed the execution of a decisive military operation targeting Iran's nuclear facilities, labeled "Operation Midnight Hammer." On June 21, 2025, B-2 stealth bombers, fighter jets, and submarine-launched cruise missiles attacked the fortified sites of Fordo, Natanz, and Isfahan within a rapid time frame. The operation was conducted under the cover of darkness and involved a lengthy flight from Whiteman Air Force Base in Missouri, necessitating multiple midair refuelings over a 7,000-mile journey.
During a press conference on Sunday, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Gen. Dan Caine, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, outlined the sophisticated coordination involved. Hegseth reiterated President Trump's claim that the strikes have effectively "obliterated" Iranian nuclear capabilities. However, both officials acknowledged that the full extent of destruction and whether Iran can still pursue nuclear weapons remained unclear.
General Caine indicated that while initial assessments showed severe damage to all three targeted locations, a comprehensive battle damage evaluation would require additional time to complete. This operation notably marks a significant increase in American military involvement in the region, emphasizing the effectiveness of the U.S. strategy to employ air and naval forces as deterrents against perceived threats. As military and diplomatic contexts evolve, the repercussions of these actions will be closely monitored.
During a press conference on Sunday, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Gen. Dan Caine, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, outlined the sophisticated coordination involved. Hegseth reiterated President Trump's claim that the strikes have effectively "obliterated" Iranian nuclear capabilities. However, both officials acknowledged that the full extent of destruction and whether Iran can still pursue nuclear weapons remained unclear.
General Caine indicated that while initial assessments showed severe damage to all three targeted locations, a comprehensive battle damage evaluation would require additional time to complete. This operation notably marks a significant increase in American military involvement in the region, emphasizing the effectiveness of the U.S. strategy to employ air and naval forces as deterrents against perceived threats. As military and diplomatic contexts evolve, the repercussions of these actions will be closely monitored.
