🚨 WHILE YOU SLEPT: The US bombed three of Iran’s most fortified nuclear sites, codenamed "Operation Midnight Hammer".
As Tehran vows “lasting repercussions” and missiles rain down on Israel this morning, the world is bracing for what comes next. Here's the breakdown:
As Tehran vows “lasting repercussions” and missiles rain down on Israel this morning, the world is bracing for what comes next. Here's the breakdown:
Let’s start with what happened today. Early Sunday, US B-2 stealth bombers and submarines launched a coordinated attack on Iran’s Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan nuclear facilities.
These sites, especially Fordow—buried deep under a mountain—were considered nearly impregnable, but the US used 30,000-pound “bunker buster” bombs and Tomahawk missiles to inflict maximum damage.
These sites, especially Fordow—buried deep under a mountain—were considered nearly impregnable, but the US used 30,000-pound “bunker buster” bombs and Tomahawk missiles to inflict maximum damage.
President Trump declared the operation a “spectacular military success,” claiming Iran’s nuclear enrichment capabilities were “obliterated.”
Iran, however, insists the damage is limited and has vowed to defend itself with all options on the table.
Iran, however, insists the damage is limited and has vowed to defend itself with all options on the table.
Iran’s reaction was swift and furious. Within hours of the US strikes, Iran launched a barrage of missiles at Israel, triggering air raid sirens and sending millions of Israelis to bomb shelters.
At least 16 people were injured in the assault. Iranian officials condemned the US attacks as violations of international law, warning of “everlasting consequences” and threatening to target US military personnel throughout the region.
At least 16 people were injured in the assault. Iranian officials condemned the US attacks as violations of international law, warning of “everlasting consequences” and threatening to target US military personnel throughout the region.
Why did this happen? The roots go back to June 13, when Israel launched a surprise offensive on Iranian nuclear and military targets, sparking a cycle of retaliation.
Iran responded with hundreds of missiles and drones targeting Israeli cities, causing casualties on both sides.
Iran responded with hundreds of missiles and drones targeting Israeli cities, causing casualties on both sides.
The US had initially favored diplomacy, but as Israeli strikes degraded Iran’s air defenses and nuclear infrastructure, pressure mounted on Washington to intervene directly. Trump, encouraged by Israeli officials and US lawmakers, saw a window to cripple Iran’s nuclear program—perhaps permanently—by using military assets only America possesses.
The US rationale for intervention centers on two points: 1) preventing Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons and 2) supporting Israel, its closest regional ally.
While US intelligence has maintained that Iran’s nuclear program is not actively weaponized, both Trump and Israeli leaders argued that Iran could rapidly assemble a bomb, making the threat imminent.
While US intelligence has maintained that Iran’s nuclear program is not actively weaponized, both Trump and Israeli leaders argued that Iran could rapidly assemble a bomb, making the threat imminent.
Does this mean World War III is about to start? Most experts say not yet. While the situation is extremely tense and the risk of broader conflict is real, analysts believe Iran is unlikely to escalate directly against the US.
The regime’s top priority is survival, and a full-scale war with America would be catastrophic for Tehran. Instead, Iran may opt for symbolic retaliation—perhaps targeting US bases in the region or using proxies—while continuing its missile campaign against Israel.
The regime’s top priority is survival, and a full-scale war with America would be catastrophic for Tehran. Instead, Iran may opt for symbolic retaliation—perhaps targeting US bases in the region or using proxies—while continuing its missile campaign against Israel.
Internationally, reactions are mixed. Israel praised the US action as historic and necessary to prevent Iran from going nuclear.
Iran’s allies, including the Houthis in Yemen, have vowed support. The UN and European leaders are urging restraint, warning that further escalation could plunge the Middle East into chaos. Meanwhile, the International Atomic Energy Agency is monitoring for any radiation leaks but has found none so far.
Iran’s allies, including the Houthis in Yemen, have vowed support. The UN and European leaders are urging restraint, warning that further escalation could plunge the Middle East into chaos. Meanwhile, the International Atomic Energy Agency is monitoring for any radiation leaks but has found none so far.
Still, the region is on edge. The next 48 hours are critical as both sides weigh their options. Iran’s military capabilities have been degraded but not destroyed.
If Iran feels compelled to respond forcefully—or if the US or Israel launch further attacks—the conflict could spiral into a wider regional war, disrupting global energy supplies.
If Iran feels compelled to respond forcefully—or if the US or Israel launch further attacks—the conflict could spiral into a wider regional war, disrupting global energy supplies.
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