The United States launched precision airstrikes—codename Operation Midnight Hammer—against three key Iranian nuclear facilities late Saturday, prompting a forceful vow of retaliation from Tehran.
At a Glance
- U.S. targeted Iran’s nuclear infrastructure using bunker-buster munitions
- Iran’s Foreign Minister called the strikes “outrageous” and a “grave violation of the UN Charter,” warning of “everlasting consequences”
- IAEA confirmed serious damage to facilities in Isfahan and Natanz, though key underground assets remain intact
- President Trump authorized the operation, warning Iran there would be “peace or tragedy”
- Tehran reserves “all options” in response and escalated diplomatic pressure at the UN Security Council
Strategic Strikes on Nuclear Sites
The U.S. employed bunker-buster bombs to strike Iran’s Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan enrichment and conversion plants, aiming to disable uranium production capabilities. The IAEA reported large-scale damage to surface buildings in Isfahan, though underground areas housing enriched uranium remain largely intact, according to Reuters.
Watch a report: US bombs Iran’s nuclear sites in Midnight Hammer strike
Strong Iranian Rebuke
Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi denounced the strikes as “outrageous” and a violation of international law, declaring Iran “reserves all options” to defend its sovereignty, as reported by The Guardian.
Diplomacy Disrupted
The strikes have derailed ongoing diplomatic efforts in Geneva and triggered an emergency UN Security Council session. While some Western leaders urged restraint, Arab nations raised concerns about risks to global oil supplies and maritime trade, according to The Times.
The Next Move
Iran now faces a critical decision: whether to retaliate militarily or pursue diplomatic avenues. With Tehran’s leadership vowing to respond and U.S. forces on heightened alert, the possibility of broader escalation looms. The international community watches closely as this high-stakes confrontation unfolds.
