Bombers flew undetected for 18 hours: How US launched airstrikes on Iran's nuclear sites

A formation of American B-2 stealth bombers flew undetected for 18 hours from Missouri to Iranian airspace, carrying out one of the most extensive strikes ever conducted by the United States on Iranian nuclear infrastructure, the Pentagon said on Sunday. A satellite view shows an overview of Fordow underground complex, before the U.S. struck the underground nuclear facility, near Qom, Iran June 20, 2025. (via REUTERS)
Operation 'Midnight Hammer' began on Saturday with a diversion. One group of B-2 bombers flew toward Guam, which analysts thought signalled a possible strike. But the real mission involved seven B-2 bombers flying east quietly, refuelling in the air, and avoiding Iran's air defences.
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Iran's main nuclear facilities at Fordow, Natanz, and Esfahan were hit in a coordinated US assault that involved cruise missile launches from a submarine and decoy flights by American fighter jets.
As the B-2 bombers neared Iranian airspace, more than two dozen Tomahawk missiles were launched, while jets flew ahead to guard against any potential Iranian response.
The Pentagon said the strike was the largest-ever combat deployment of B-2 bombers and the second-longest mission after those flown following the 9/11 attacks.
Each bomber dropped a GBU-57 Massive Ordnance Penetrator, a 30,000-pound bunker-busting bomb designed to destroy heavily fortified nuclear facilities.
Read: Iran President says US entered conflict after witnessing 'Israel's impotence'
'This was a spectacular military success,' said US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth, confirming that over 125 military aircraft took part in the operation.
General Dan Caine, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, added, 'Iran's fighters did not fly, and it appears that Iran's surface-to-air missile systems did not see us throughout the mission. We retained the element of surprise.'
The Pentagon's post-strike evaluations indicate that Iran's key nuclear facilities were heavily damaged in the assault. While General Dan Caine declined to confirm whether the country's nuclear programme was entirely neutralised, Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth said, 'It was clear we devastated the Iranian nuclear programme.' US steps up military readiness in Middle East
The United States has intensified military readiness across the Middle East following its precision strikes on Iran's nuclear sites, with force protection heightened, assets repositioned, and allies placed on alert amid fears of escalation.
Read more: Iran reacts to EU's negotiation call after US strikes: 'Can't return to something it never left'
Though the groundwork for the operation had been laid months in advance, officials said the mission itself was put together in a matter of weeks. Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth noted that most senior figures in Washington only learned of the strikes after President Donald Trump disclosed them on social media late Saturday night.
Reiterating Washington's position, Hegseth said the U.S. is not seeking a wider war, but warned of further action if provoked.
'Iran would be wise to heed those words,' he said, adding, 'The President has said it before, and he means it.'

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