US President Donald Trump on Sunday said that the recent airstrikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities delivered a devastating blow to Tehran’s nuclear programme. In a post on Truth Social, Trump said: “Monumental Damage was done to all Nuclear sites in Iran, as shown by satellite images. Obliteration is an accurate term! The white structure shown is deeply imbedded into the rock, with even its roof well below ground level, and completely shielded from flame. The biggest damage took place far below ground level. Bullseye!!!”
Operation ‘Midnight Hammer’
The attack on Iran’s Fordow nuclear site, carried out Saturday evening at 6:40 pm ET, involved dropping a total of 14 Massive Ordnance Penetrators (MOPs), also known as “bunker busters,” from multiple B-2 bomber jets. The mission marked the first time the US has used the massive 15-ton GBU-57 bombs in combat.US President Donald Trump praised the mission in a statement on Truth Social, writing: “There is not another military in the world that could have done this.”Also Read: ‘Why wouldn’t there be a regime change?’: Trump drops a big ‘hint’ after Operation Midnight Hammer in Iran; contradicts his own administration
Fordow nuclear site rendered inaccessible
Satellite images showed serious damage to the Fordow nuclear site in Iran after the airstrikes. The pictures, provided by Planet Labs PBC, showed that parts of the mountain above the site have changed colour and shape. Brown slopes now appear grey and uneven, likely caused by powerful explosions.The site is deeply embedded within a mountain and protected from most types of attacks. However, following the strikes, it appears to have taken direct hits strong enough to seal its entry points. Experts say this kind of damage could make the facility inaccessible without major excavation work.
After the strikes, Trump posted on Truth Social: “We have completed our very successful attack on the three Nuclear sites in Iran, including Fordow, Natanz, and Esfahan. All planes are now outside of Iran air space. A full payload of BOMBS was dropped on the primary site, Fordow.”
B-2 Spirit bombers flew 37 hours to complete mission
B-2 stealth bomber crews tasked with the daring strike on Iran’s Fordow nuclear enrichment plant completed a gruelling 37-hour round-trip mission from Missouri to Iran and back. The billion-dollar jets have a wingspan of 172 feet and space for two pilots. The bombers are designed to fly undetected through enemy defences, and their stealth technology remains among the most advanced in the world.The jets are even equipped with a toilet, a refrigerator for snacks, and a place for one person to lie down while the other flies the jet. The bomber can reach speeds of up to 1,000 km/h.Also Read: US-Iran tensions spike: Washington issues ‘worldwide caution’; Tehran says response to American strikes will be ‘proportionate’
‘Enemy made big mistake’: Iran’s Supreme Leader
The supreme leader of Iran responded to the US strike on three nuclear facilities. Taking to X, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said: “The punishment continues. The Zionist enemy has made a big mistake, committed a big crime; it must be punished and it is being punished; it is being punished right now.”
