Tensions in the Middle East significantly increased after the United States launched a series of high-impact airstrikes on Iranian nuclear facilities. The coordinated attack, dubbed “Midnight Hammer,” used Tomahawk cruise missiles fired from U.S. submarines and B-2 stealth bombers armed with bunker-busting GBU-57 bombs to target strategic locations at Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan. Much of Iran’s deeply buried nuclear equipment, particularly centrifuges, reportedly survived the strikes, despite the fact that they severely damaged above-ground infrastructure. Although Iran acknowledged structural damage, it denied any radiation leak or imminent danger to civilians.
U.S. President Donald Trump threatened more repercussions if Iran did not resume talks, and the strikes followed a failed diplomatic attempt between Washington and Tehran. Iran denounced the strikes as a war crime and a breach of international law, while European leaders, including the chancellor of Germany, called for new negotiations and de-escalation. Iran’s missile and drone attacks in retaliation injured a number of Israelis, though the majority were intercepted. In response, U.S. naval assets were threatened by regional actors such as the Houthis.
According to reports, Israeli intelligence activities within Iran may have contributed to the U.S. operation by bringing down air defenses. Even though the Biden administration said the attack was a one-time incident, the world community is still on high alert because of concerns that if diplomacy doesn’t pick up speed again, the situation could turn into a larger conflict.
