The United States bombed Iran in a coordinated strike known as Operation Midnight Hammer primarily to disrupt and set back Iran's nuclear weapons program. This military action was taken because Iran was rapidly advancing toward having the capability to manufacture atomic bombs, with its stockpile of near-weapons-grade uranium increasing significantly. Iran had walked away from diplomacy, and its nuclear facilities were deeply fortified underground, making them difficult to attack without specialized weapons. The strike aimed to demonstrate U.S. resolve, protect American and Israeli interests, and reduce the threat posed by Iran's nuclear ambitions. The operation also showed solidarity with Israel, which views Iran as an existential threat due to Iran’s support for groups hostile to Israel. The strikes destroyed or heavily damaged key nuclear enrichment facilities, temporarily delaying Iran's progress toward a nuclear weapon and sending a strong message against further nuclear development by Iran.
The U.S. strikes involved precision use of advanced bunker-buster bombs delivered by stealth bombers and Tomahawk missiles targeting three main nuclear sites: Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan. The attack came after escalating hostilities between Israel and Iran, with Israel conducting its own airstrikes first. Despite some damage being limited to aboveground structures, the operation set back Iran’s nuclear program by months to years. However, the strikes did not completely destroy Iran's nuclear capabilities. Iran responded with missile attacks on a U.S. base and suspended cooperation with international nuclear inspectors.
The U.S. justified the strike as a preventive measure to stop Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons, citing national and regional security interests and the defense of Israel, rather than as a response to an immediate Iranian attack. The action is controversial internationally, with questions about its legality under international law, as it was not authorized by the UN Security Council and did not respond to a direct attack on the U.S. The strike is part of a broader geopolitical struggle involving Iran’s regional influence and proxy conflicts.
