The US strikes Iran
Image: Fox News
Early Sunday morning local time, the US conducted a series of airstrikes against Iran in coordination with Israel, joining its escalating effort to dismantle Iran's nuclear program.
How it went down
The US military’s Operation Midnight Hammer targeted three sites that represent the core of Iran’s nuclear infrastructure.
- It involved 125+ US aircraft—including a dedicated decoy squad of B-2 stealth bombers—along with a guided missile submarine.
- ~75 precision-guided weapons were used in the attack, including 14 “bunker-buster” bombs intended to destroy two of the Iranian nuclear bases buried deep underground. It marks the first time such bombs have been used in warfare.
- All three sites sustained severe damage, according to US officials, though VP JD Vance indicated Iran's stockpile of enriched uranium is likely still intact.
"Iran's fighters did not fly, and it appears that Iran's surface-to-air missile systems did not see us," according to Gen. Dan Caine, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.
Why attack those three sites? They mark the only known locations where Iran is carrying out uranium enrichment, conversion, and other key steps to further its nuclear program.
Iran’s government claims its nuclear efforts are for civilian use—but many within the international community, including President Trump, believe Tehran is actively developing nuclear weapons. Prior to this weekend’s US strike, experts say Iran had enough highly enriched uranium to make ~10 nuclear weapons.
Iran is weighing its response. In a national address late Saturday, Trump threatened US airstrikes on additional targets in Iran if its government doesn't agree to return to the negotiating table and reach a deal preventing them from access to nuclear weapons.
- However, Iran's foreign minister indicated a short-term diplomatic solution isn’t likely, with Tehran having previously pledged to strike at US troops if America joined Israel’s war.
- The Pentagon says the tens of thousands of US soldiers across the Middle East are on high alert, while the State Department is stepping up travel warnings and evacuations in the region.
📊 Flash poll: In general, how do you feel about President Trump’s decision to launch military airstrikes targeting Iran’s three key nuclear sites?
See a 360° view of what pundits are saying →
Sprinkles from the Left
- Some commentators argue that while Trump’s goal of ending Iran’s nuclear program would be a big win, many risks abound—and it is still unclear what “peace” would look like in Trump’s eyes, amid conflicting messages regarding potential support for a regime change in Iran.
- Others contend that Trump has made a huge wager on global security and his own legacy, and could either be remembered as changing the Middle East for the better—or for setting the US on a disastrous course by failing to wipe out Iran’s nuclear ambitions.
- “U.S. bombs have fallen. What comes next?” –Washington Post Editorial Board
- “Trump’s strike on Iran marks a momentous moment — and gamble — for the world” –Stephen Collinson, CNN
- “America Must Not Rush Into a War Against Iran” –NY Times Editorial Board
Sprinkles from the Right
- Some commentators argue that Trump’s decision to strike Iran helped rid the world of a grave nuclear threat, was a large step toward restoring US deterrence, and creates an opportunity for a more peaceful Middle East, if the nations will seize it.
- Others contend that Trump’s strikes against Iran were bold, flawlessly executed, and eliminated an intolerable global threat—all without losing a single American soldier or killing a single innocent Iranian civilian.
- “Trump Meets the Moment on Iran” –WSJ Editorial Board
- “Trump’s devastating Iran strikes eliminate an intolerable threat” –Peter Laffin, Washington Examiner
- “Trump’s Iran strike opens the door to a new era of Mideast peace and prosperity” –NY Post Editorial Board
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