On June 21 the White House released photos of President Donald Trump moments before U.S. air strikes on Iran’s nuclear sites. Find out more in the article below.
The Military Operation: Operation Midnight Hammer
Dubbed Operation Midnight Hammer, the strikes targeted Iran’s nuclear enrichment facilities at Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan. U.S. B‑2 stealth bombers dropped massive 30,000‑pound bunker-buster bombs, while naval submarines launched Tomahawk cruise missiles. According to official statements, the strikes achieved “extremely severe damage,” with Natanz reportedly destroyed and Fordow and Isfahan sustaining major damage
Trump’s Tense Decision Timeline
President Trump had publicly stated earlier in the week that Iran would have up to two weeks to comply with U.S. demands. By Saturday afternoon, however, he quietly convened his national security team and issued the final go-ahead from his estate in New Jersey.This decision mirrored Israel’s own surprise strikes a week earlier. White House officials acknowledged that the two-week deadline had been partly a strategic feint to lower Tehran’s guard . Only a small circle of advisors—including Rubio, Hegseth, Vance, Caine, and Ratcliffe—knew of the impending action ahead of time.
Trump’s Statement and Bold Warnings
Speaking in a late-night address, Trump described the mission as a “spectacular military success,” asserting that Iran’s nuclear capabilities had been “completely and totally obliterated.” He warned: “future attacks will be far greater and a lot easier” if Iran retaliates. Posting on Truth Social, he praised his “great American Warriors” and proclaimed, “NOW IS THE TIME FOR PEACE!”
Strategic Implications and Global Reactions
U.S. officials framed the strikes as necessary to prevent Iran from acquiring a nuclear arsenal, while maintaining it as an isolated case rather than a broader war . Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu applauded Trump, calling the launch a “historic turning point” in halting a dangerous nuclear regime . Domestically, Congressional support was split. Some Republicans praised the bold stance, while critics, including some Democrats and Republicans, questioned the constitutionality of bypassing Congress . On the international stage, UN Secretary-General António Guterres warned of “dangerous escalation” and urged renewed diplomacy.
Iran’s Immediate Response
Following the strikes, Iran’s Foreign Minister labeled the operation a “reckless violation” of international law and warned of “everlasting consequences”. Tehran confirmed that no radioactive leaks had been detected, though officials claimed key equipment and tunnels were minimally impacted. Iran vowed to pursue diplomacy from a position of strength while keeping all military options open.
The Broader Context
These U.S. strikes marked the country’s first direct military engagement in the ongoing Iran–Israel conflict that began with Israeli strikes on June 13 and subsequent tit-for-tat missile exchanges. Analysts note the operation signals a significant escalation, with analysts and world leaders watching closely for signs of wider escalation or de-escalation.
Final Reflections
The photos from the Situation Room portray a deliberate, calculated moment in Trump’s foreign policy legacy—one that underscores national leadership under pressure and the gravity of military decision-making. Operation Midnight Hammer leaves Iran’s nuclear program severely diminished, but many uncertainties remain. Will Iran retaliate? Will Congress challenge executive authority? And can diplomacy follow military action to stabilize the volatile region?
