In a historic and highly coordinated military operation on June 22, 2025, the United States launched precision airstrikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities using its most advanced stealth aircraft: the B-2 Spirit. The mission, codenamed Operation Midnight Hammer, was designed to strike deep-underground targets such as Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan—and it was executed with extraordinary speed, secrecy, and force.
✈️ The Stealth Offensive Begins
Seven B-2 stealth bombers took off from Whiteman Air Force Base, Missouri, flying a nonstop 37-hour round-trip mission. Supported by multiple in-flight refueling tankers, the bombers flew undetected for thousands of miles, maintaining radio silence and using radar-evading flight paths. Some aircraft took decoy routes to confuse Iranian surveillance, while the true strike group entered Iranian airspace stealthily from unexpected directions.
💣 Massive Bunker-Busters Unleashed
Each B-2 bomber was armed with GBU-57A/B Massive Ordnance Penetrator (MOP) bombs—each weighing 30,000 pounds and designed to destroy fortified underground bunkers. This marked the first combat use of the GBU-57, showcasing America’s ability to target even the most heavily protected nuclear infrastructure.
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Fordow: Six bombers dropped 12 MOPs directly onto the underground uranium enrichment site.
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Natanz: One bomber delivered two MOPs on critical shafts.
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Simultaneously, a U.S. Navy submarine launched Tomahawk cruise missiles at Natanz and Isfahan, hitting key surface defenses and infrastructure.
🕵️ Electronic Warfare & Deception
The mission relied not only on stealth, but also on electronic warfare and deception. Israeli airstrikes earlier that week had already disrupted Iran’s radar and air defense systems, clearing the path for U.S. bombers. Additional support aircraft provided jamming capabilities, fighter cover, and reconnaissance—all without alerting Iranian forces until the strike was underway.
The entire assault lasted less than 25 minutes, with all U.S. aircraft returning safely.
📸 Damage and Aftermath
Post-strike satellite imagery shows major crater damage at targeted sites. U.S. officials say the attacks “set back Iran’s nuclear capabilities by years”, though exact assessments are still classified. Iranian authorities confirmed damage but downplayed the long-term impact.
Analysts see the strike as a message—not just to Iran, but to global adversaries: the U.S. retains the technological and strategic capability to conduct pinpoint strikes anywhere in the world, with minimal warning.
🔑 Key Takeaways:
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B-2 stealth bombers flew a 37-hour mission to strike Iran’s nuclear sites.
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First combat use of GBU-57 bunker-busting bombs to destroy underground facilities.
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Operation included decoys, cruise missiles, and electronic warfare.
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Strike completed in under 25 minutes, demonstrating unmatched precision.
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Iran’s nuclear program reportedly crippled, with long-term delays likely.
