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Inside Operation Midnight Hammer: The Secret Mission to Disable Iran’s Nuclear Defenses

In a covert operation dubbed Operation Midnight Hammer, the US and Israel joined forces to target Iran’s nuclear facilities. The Israel Air Force (IAF) played a crucial role by neutralizing Iranian air defenses before US B-2 bombers struck the Fordow nuclear site.

The US-Israel Partnership in Operation Midnight Hammer
The operation marked a critical moment in US-Israel military collaboration, with both nations working in sync to degrade Iran’s nuclear capabilities. Here’s how it unfolded:

Trump’s Direct Request to Netanyahu
US President Donald Trump personally called Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, seeking assistance in disabling Iran’s air defenses.
Netanyahu agreed, asking, “How can we help?”—leading to a coordinated strike plan.
The IAF was tasked with eliminating key air defense systems in southern Iran to ensure safe passage for US B-2 Spirit bombers.

Pre-Strike Coordination
The US provided Israel with a list of Iranian air defense targets to neutralize before the main attack.
US Vice President JD Vance and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth held secure calls with Netanyahu and Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz to finalize plans.
The IAF conducted precision strikes to weaken Iran’s defenses, minimizing risks for the incoming US stealth bombers.

The Bunker-Buster Strike on Fordow
The primary target was Fordow, a heavily fortified underground nuclear facility.
US B-2 bombers deployed 30,000-pound bunker-buster bombs, designed to penetrate deep into reinforced structures.
The operation aimed to cripple Iran’s uranium enrichment capabilities without escalating into a full-scale war.

Post-Strike Diplomatic Moves
After the mission, Trump briefed Netanyahu, emphasizing his desire for a peace deal with Iran.
The US made it clear that further strikes would only occur if Iran retaliated.

Sample Questions & Answers
1. What was the objective of Operation Midnight Hammer?
Answer: The operation aimed to degrade Iran’s nuclear capabilities by targeting key facilities, including the Fordow enrichment site, using coordinated US-Israel airstrikes.
2. How did Israel assist the US in the operation?
Answer: The Israel Air Force (IAF) neutralized Iran’s air defense systems in the south, ensuring US B-2 bombers could strike Fordow without interception.
3. What type of bombs were used in the attack?
Answer: The US deployed 30,000-pound bunker-buster bombs, capable of penetrating deep underground to destroy fortified nuclear facilities.
4. Did Iran retaliate after the strikes?
Answer: As of the latest reports, Iran had not launched any immediate retaliation, but the US warned of further action if provoked.
5. What was Trump’s long-term goal after the operation?
Answer: Trump sought to negotiate a peace deal with Iran, using the strikes as leverage to bring Tehran back to diplomatic talks.