The US Midnight Hammer campaign against Iran began with a sophisticated distraction. A group of B-2 bombers took off from a base in Missouri and moved towards Guam, suggesting observers were mobilizing forces to prepare for the possibility of hitting Iran. However, this group is just a prey.
In fact, the other seven B-2s have been quietly flying eastward, keeping at their minimum contact and refueling in the air. The flight lasted 18 hours and was completely undetected. As the aircraft approached Iranian airspace, a US submarine launched more than 20 Tomahawk cruise missiles at targets inside Iran.
US fighters are deployed as front targets to detect and neutralize any threat from Iran's air defense forces. This was the largest attack in the history of the B-2 stealth bomber's operations, and the second longest such flight campaign ever, after the post-incident missions on September 11, 2001.
A total of 14 GBU-57 Massive Ordnance Penetrator trans flared-up bombs, each weighing about 13,600kg, were dropped on three of Iran's main nuclear facilities. The operation involved more than 125 US military aircraft.
According to General Dan Caine, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Iran could not react. No fighter jets took off and Iran's anti-aircraft missile systems seemed to have completely lost the presence of US forces.
General Caine said initial damage assessments showed that all three targets were severely damaged, but declined to comment on whether Iran's nuclear capabilities still exist. Meanwhile, US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth affirmed that the operation has caused great damage to Iran's nuclear program.
The operation was strictly confidential, with only a few people in Washington aware of the plan and timing. Many senior officials only learned about the incident through President Donald Trump's social media post that evening.
Hegseth said the US military has been preparing for months to be ready for action when ordered. Meanwhile, the specific combat plan was completed in just a few weeks.
Currently, Gulf countries, where many US bases are located, are in a state of high vigilance. The US military has also dispersed its forces in the Middle East and increased protection of bases to prevent possible counterattacks from Iran.
While Washington insists it is not seeking a large-scale conflict, President Trump has warned that the US is ready to attack Iran further if necessary and with superior strength.
