President Donald Trump approved a massive airstrike against Iran’s nuclear facilities under a veil of deception while publicly signaling restraint—culminating in Operation Midnight Hammer, the most significant U.S. attack on Iranian soil since 1979.

Deception Masks Imminent Strike

On Thursday, June 19, Trump announced he would wait two weeks before deciding on military action, citing “a substantial chance of negotiations.” In reality, final preparations for a strike were already underway. Less than 30 hours later, seven B-2 stealth bombers lifted off from Missouri, backed by U.S. Navy submarines and decoy aircraft flying toward the Pacific to mislead observers.

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt later confirmed the deception, hailing the mission as “one of the most complex and historic military operations of all time.”

Strike Hits Three Sites, First Use of MOPs in Combat

The operation, executed in the early hours of June 22, targeted Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan. B-2 bombers dropped 14 Massive Ordnance Penetrators (GBU-57/Bs) on Fordow, while Tomahawk missiles hit Natanz and Isfahan. U.S. aircraft encountered no resistance, and fighter jets suppressed any potential air defenses.

Despite Trump’s claim that the nuclear program was “completely and totally obliterated,” Pentagon officials later admitted the destruction was “severe” but not total. Intelligence indicated Iran had relocated uranium stockpiles and some equipment in advance.

Public Pressure, Private Calculations

The decision came after days of internal White House debate, media manipulation, and polling assessments. Trump was reportedly swayed by widespread media praise for Israeli strikes and frustration with anti-war critics like Tucker Carlson.

Although Vice President JD Vance and others framed the strike as a one-off mission to degrade nuclear capabilities—not an attempt at regime change—Trump hinted otherwise on social media, writing: “Why wouldn’t there be a Regime change???”

Fallout and Unanswered Questions

The strikes forced Iran’s nuclear program underground—literally and politically. Satellite images revealed 16 cargo trucks near Fordow before the attacks, possibly evacuating up to 400 kg of 60% enriched uranium. The IAEA confirmed its inspectors last saw the material a week prior.

With inspections suspended and Tehran hardening sites, international agencies remain blind to Iran’s next move. Intelligence officials warned that while the operation may have delayed Iran’s nuclear ambitions by 2–5 years, it could also accelerate Tehran’s desire for a nuclear deterrent.