1. Operation Midnight Hammer – U.S. Airstrikes on Iranian Nuclear Sites

• On June 22, 2025, the U.S. conducted a surprise airstrike targeting Iran’s strategic nuclear sites at Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan, codenamed Operation Midnight Hammer.

• The assault featured seven B‑2 Spirit stealth bombers, which deployed 14 GBU‑57 Massive Ordnance Penetrators (MOPs), and Tomahawk cruise missiles launched from submarines to neutralize hardened underground facilities .

• Pentagon officials described it as the largest B‑2 operational strike in U.S. history, involving over 125 aircraft, decoys, fighter escorts, and aerial refueling—executed with no Iranian retaliation during or after the mission 

• President Trump hailed the strikes as a "spectacular military success," warning Iran that further strikes were possible if diplomatic talks fail 

• Satellite images confirm severe crater damage at Fordow, with tunnel entrances visibly collapsed

2. Iran’s Retaliation: Missile Barrage on Israel

• Shortly after the U.S. strikes, Iran launched two waves of ballistic missiles, totaling around 27 to 40, targeting Tel Aviv, Haifa, Ben Gurion Airport, research centers, and military command facilities 

• The assaults caused significant structural damage and wounded at least 20–23 people, including families and apartment blocks in central Israel .

• Israeli air defense systems intercepted many, but not all, incoming missiles, as sirens and explosion reports rang out in multiple regions 

3. Israel’s Counterstrikes

• Israel swiftly responded, targeting missile launchers and Iranian military infrastructure back in western Iran, including sites prepping further missile launches .

• This tit-for-tat nature has pushed the region toward a broader military confrontation, reminiscent of the cycle since the conflict began in mid‑June .

4. Global Reactions & Stakes

• U.S. legal and domestic scrutiny: Critics question the constitutionality of a major strike without congressional approval 

• China and Russia issued public condemnations, warning of destabilization 

5. What This Means Going Forward

• Iran must now decide whether to escalate further—by targeting U.S. troops, Gulf shipping lanes, or via proxies—or open back-channels.

• The U.S.-Israel axis is tightly aligned, demonstrating willingness for deep involvement.

• Israel’s integration in the U.S. strike marks a historic shift—potentially prompting regional realignments, especially with Gulf states and proxies.

• The risk of long-term confrontation remains high—even as global leaders stress diplomacy, the situation is evolving fast and could ignite new cycles of violence.

⚠️ Final Thoughts

Operation Midnight Hammer significantly altered the strategic landscape—crippling Iran’s nuclear infrastructure and igniting cross-border missile warfare. With global powers calling for calm, the region faces profound uncertainty. What happens next hinges on Iran’s response, diplomatic channels, and whether the U.S. or Israel further commit forces.