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In a bold and controversial move, President Donald Trump confirmed that U.S. forces carried out airstrikes on Iranian nuclear facilities overnight, marking a dramatic escalation in the ongoing war between Israel and Iran.
The strikes targeted key enrichment sites in Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan—facilities widely believed to be at the heart of Iran’s nuclear program.
Operation Midnight Hammer: A Precision Strike
The operation, reportedly codenamed Operation Midnight Hammer, involved B-2 Spirit stealth bombers and submarine-launched cruise missiles.
Pentagon sources say the mission aimed to destroy underground bunkers and enrichment infrastructure believed to be used in uranium processing.
According to U.S. defense officials, the attack was meticulously planned:
- Fordow: Struck with bunker-buster bombs capable of penetrating deep underground layers.
- Natanz and Isfahan: Targeted with cruise missiles aimed at surface-level and subterranean operations.
President Trump addressed the nation briefly following the strikes, calling the mission a “resounding success” and stating it was necessary to “prevent Iran from ever acquiring a nuclear weapon.”
Iran Responds: “We Were Prepared”
Iranian officials downplayed the impact of the strikes, claiming they had evacuated sensitive material and personnel days before the attacks. While some damage to infrastructure was acknowledged, Tehran insisted there was no radioactive fallout and minimal casualties.
Despite the relatively muted response, Iran labeled the U.S. action a violation of international law and promised retaliation. Military analysts believe Iran may respond by targeting U.S. assets in the region or attempting to disrupt shipping lanes in the Persian Gulf.
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Domestic Reactions: Sharp Divide in Washington
Back home, the strikes immediately reignited debate over presidential war powers. Republican lawmakers largely supported the move, praising Trump for backing Israel and deterring Iranian aggression.
However, Democratic leaders criticized the president for acting without Congressional approval and warned of a slippery slope toward a broader regional war.
Concerns are also mounting about the constitutional implications of unilateral military action, with some members of Congress calling for emergency hearings to review the legality of the operation.
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Global Fallout: Allies Cautious, Enemies on Alert
International response has been swift and divided. Israel applauded the U.S. intervention, calling it “decisive and necessary.”
European leaders, while condemning Iran’s aggression, expressed concern that the strikes could destabilize the region further. The United Nations Secretary-General issued a statement urging all sides to exercise restraint and return to diplomatic channels.
Meanwhile, Russia and China condemned the strikes outright, warning of the risk of regional war and long-term global economic fallout.
What Happens Next?
The immediate impact of the strikes is still being assessed, but the long-term implications are significant.
With the U.S. now directly involved in the conflict, the likelihood of a broader war has increased. Military experts warn that further escalation could draw in Hezbollah, destabilize Iraq, or lead to a wave of cyberattacks from Iranian-backed groups.
Key Questions Moving Forward:
- Will Iran retaliate with direct military action?
- Can the U.S. avoid getting pulled deeper into a prolonged conflict?
- How will global markets react to rising tensions in the Middle East?
The U.S. airstrikes on Iranian nuclear facilities mark a major turning point in the Israel-Iran conflict.
While President Trump hailed the mission as a victory for national security and global peace, critics warn that the consequences of this move could be unpredictable and far-reaching. All eyes are now on Tehran as the world waits for its next move.
