US Joint Chiefs: Three Iranian nuclear sites heavily damaged

US Joint Chiefs: Three Iranian nuclear sites heavily damaged

Chairman of the US Joint Chiefs of Staff, General John “Razin” Caine, stated that three Iranian nuclear facilities—Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan—suffered serious damage following a large-scale air operation. According to him, the initial assessment points to “high operational success” achieved under the codename “Midnight Hammer.”

US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth emphasized that the United States would act swiftly and decisively if its citizens, allies, or strategic interests are threatened. He stressed that the objective of the strike was to neutralize nuclear infrastructure considered a direct threat by Washington.

The operation was carried out on the night of June 22, involving B-2 Spirit strategic bombers equipped with GBU-57 bunker-busting bombs and Tomahawk cruise missiles launched from ships in the Persian Gulf. According to Reuters and AP, more than 30 munitions were fired at targets in Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan. The strikes were coordinated with Israel, which had previously conducted limited precision attacks on the same facilities.

President Donald Trump described the operation as a “spectacular success” and warned Iran that it must abandon its nuclear program and return to negotiations. Otherwise, he said, the United States is “ready for further actions.” He noted that the strikes were authorized under the right to self-defense and came in response to Iran’s refusal to cooperate with the IAEA.

Iranian sources confirmed that the Fordow site had been hit, and air defense systems were activated. The IRNA agency reported no radiation leaks, as nuclear materials were not present at the time of the strike. The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) also confirmed that radiation levels outside the targeted facilities remained unchanged.

Iran responded by launching missiles at Israeli territory, most of which were intercepted. Israeli authorities reported minimal damage and one injury. Meanwhile, emergency crews in Iran continue to clear debris at the affected sites.

Leaders of the European Union, Russia, and China condemned the US action and called for an immediate end to hostilities. The United Nations expressed concern about potential escalation. The US and Israel maintain that their actions were aimed solely at preventing Iran from developing nuclear weapons.