Latest news with #OperationMidnight
Arab News
2 hours ago
- Politics
- Arab News
What do we know about US strikes on Iran's nuclear facilities?
DUBAI: Amid mounting speculation, the US launched air strikes on three of Iran's nuclear facilities on Saturday. The operation aimed to support Israel in its war against Iran — ongoing since June 13 — by crippling Tehran's uranium enrichment capacity, according to Asharq News. US President Donald Trump later announced that Iran's uranium-enrichment abilities had been eliminated, warning Tehran against any 'retaliatory response.' Tehran, however, described the damage as 'limited' and dismissed any indications of radiation leaks. The US strikes included 14 bunker-buster bombs, more than two dozen Tomahawk missiles and over 125 military aircraft, in an operation the top US general, General Dan Caine, said was named 'Operation Midnight.' Asharq News reported that the strikes targeted three critical nuclear facilities instrumental in Iran's nuclear fuel cycle: Fordo, Natanz and Isfahan nuclear complex. These sites span the entire fuel-enrichment chain — from raw uranium conversion, through enrichment, to the production of fuel and technical components for research reactors. • The first B-2 bomber was publicly displayed on Nov. 22, 1988, but its first flight was on July 17, 1989. • The combat effectiveness of the B-2 was proved in the Balkans, where it was responsible for destroying 33 percent of all Serbian targets in the first eight weeks. • In support of Operation Enduring Freedom, the B-2 flew one of its longest missions to date from Whiteman to Afghanistan and back. • The B-2 completed its first-ever combat deployment in Iraq, flying 22 sorties and releasing more than 1.5 million pounds of munitions. Fordo facility Location and structure: Fordo is 30 kilometers northeast of Qom, embedded within a mountain at an altitude of approximately 1,750 m, with over 80 meters of rock and volcanic shielding — making it one of Iran's most fortified sites. Technical role: It houses two underground halls that can hold about 3,000 IR-1 centrifuges, enriching uranium up to 60 percent — a level nearing weapons -grade. Strategic importance: It is a primary target in any military effort to prevent Iran from achieving nuclear military capability, due to its high capacity and protection. Natanz reactor Location and structure: Situated near Kashan in central Iran, partially buried under about 8 meters of earth with a 220meter-thick concrete roof, naturally shielded by surrounding mountainous terrain. Technical role: Contains primary and experimental plants with over 14,000 centrifuges (IR-1, IR-2m, IR-4, IR-6), making it Iran's main industrial enrichment hub. Strategic importance: Responsible for producing most of Iran's low-enriched uranium and plays a key role in centrifuge development. Isfahan nuclear complex Location and structure: Located south of Isfahan on an arid plateau away from populated areas, it is neither buried nor heavily fortified. Technical role: Includes a Uranium Conversion Facility (UCF); a research reactor fuel production plant; and a metallic fuel pelletizing plant, and three research reactors. Strategic importance: Serves as the backbone of Iran's nuclear research and production infrastructure, supplying both Natanz and Fordo. The Pentagon used some of the world's most advanced aircraft for Saturday's strikes. The B-2 Spirit is a multi-role bomber capable of delivering both conventional and nuclear munitions. The bomber represents a major milestone in the US bomber modernization program. The B-2 brings massive firepower to bear anywhere on the globe through seemingly impenetrable defenses. According to US officials, the bombers that carried out the Iran strikes flew for nearly 37 hours non-stop from its Missouri base, refueling in mid-air multiple times before striking in the early hours of Sunday. A B-2 bomber offers several key advantages, primarily due to its stealth capabilities and global reach. • A range over 11,000 km without refueling, capable of global reach from distant American bases. • Stealth abilities such as flying-wing design and radar-absorbing materials that allow it to evade air defenses. • It can carry both nuclear and conventional weapons, including the GBU‑57 bunker-buster bomb. Initial reports quoted by Asharq News indicated that Fordo was hit with the GBU‑57, the most powerful US conventional bunker buster, designed for deeply buried targets like Fordo, which lies 90 meters underground. Fox News reported six bunker-busting bombs were dropped on Fordo, alongside approximately 30 Tomahawk cruise missiles fired at Natanz and Isfahan. The GBU‑57 'Massive Ordnance Penetrator' was designed by American military engineers to devastate deeply buried bunkers without radioactive fallout. It was the only nonnuclear weapon that could reach Iran's hardest target. • Weight: ~13,600 kg • Length: 6.2 meters. • Diameter: 0.8 meters. • Explosive payload: 2,400 kg of high explosives. • Guidance: GPS + inertial navigation. * Penetration: Up to 60 meters of reinforced concrete or dense rock. A Tomahawk cruise missile is a precision weapon that launches from ships, submarines and ground launchers and can strike targets precisely from a great distance, even in heavily defended airspace. • Range: 1,250–2,500 km depending on variant. • Speed: Subsonic (~880 km/h). • Guidance: Inertial navigation, GPS, with some variants using terminal guidance (TERCOM, DSMAC). • Warhead: ~450 kg conventional explosives. • Launch platforms: Ships and submarines. There has been a torrent of responses to the US move against Iran, Asharq News reported. President Trump declared the mission's success, stating that the Fordo facility was 'gone,' and Iran's primary nuclear enrichment sites 'completely and utterly destroyed.' Later on Sunday, US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said the strikes were an incredible and overwhelming success that have 'obliterated Tehran's nuclear ambitions.' For its part, Iran's Tasnim News Agency quoted an official saying the nuclear sites had been evacuated in advance, and the damage was 'not irreparable.' The Atomic Energy Organization of Iran stated there was 'no risk of any radiation leak.' Iran emphasized its nuclear industry would not be halted.
LBCI
3 hours ago
- Politics
- LBCI
US strikes against Iran not aimed at regime change: Pentagon chief
The U.S. military's strikes on Iran's nuclear sites were not a preamble to plans for regime change, U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said on Sunday, adding that private messages had been sent to Tehran encouraging them to negotiate. Still, Hegseth warned Iran against following through with past threats of retaliation against the United States, and said U.S. forces were postured to defend themselves, and take action if needed. "This mission was not and has not been about regime change," Hegseth told reporters at the Pentagon. "The president authorized a precision operation to neutralize the threats to our national interests posed by the Iranian nuclear program." The U.S. strikes included 14 bunker-buster bombs, more than two dozen Tomahawk missiles and over 125 military aircraft, in an operation the top U.S. general, General Dan Caine, said was named "Operation Midnight." Reuters
Scottish Sun
3 hours ago
- Politics
- Scottish Sun
Incredible satellite pics show the aftermath of ‘devastating' strikes on Iranian nuclear bases after massive US blitz
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) ASTONISHING satellite pictures have emerged of the aftermath of the US's "devastating" strikes on Iranian nuclear bases. Operation Midnight saw the US blitz three of Iran's key nuclear facilities in an attack Trump has called a "spectacular success". Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 11 A new series of satellite images has revealed the precision of the US attacks on Iran's primary nuclear facility Credit: maxar technologies 11 Two clusters of six craters show where the bombs were dropped Credit: maxar technologies 11 The Isfahan nuclear technology in Iran before U.S. strikes Credit: AP 11 Six B-2 stealth bombers descended over Iran Bunker buster bombs were dropped on the Fordow enrichment plant - a heavily guarded site buried deep beneath a mountain near the city of Qom. Also hit were the nuclear plants at Natanz and Isfahan, which Israel had already targeted with its own missiles. US submarines also launched around 30 Tomahawk missiles in a coordinated air-and-sea operation. Trump declared that the Fordow plant is now "gone" and all the night's targets were "obliterated". Satellite imagery of the destroyed bases has since revealed the extent of the damage. Two clusters of at least six holes are seen at the Fordow nuclear site, where the massive 30,000-pound bunker buster bombs were dropped. Bombs of this kind are believed to be able to penetrate about 200 feet below the surface before exploding. Following the bombing, Sir Keir Starmer reinstated his commitment to making Iran nuke-free. He, along with French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, released a joint statement following the US bombings on Iran. It read: "We have discussed the latest developments in the Middle East earlier today. We reiterate our commitment to peace and stability for all countries in the region. We affirm our support for the security of Israel. "We have consistently been clear that Iran can never have a nuclear weapon and can no longer pose a threat to regional security. "Earlier today, the United States conducted targeted military strikes against nuclear facilities in Fordow, Natanz and Isfahan. Our aim continues to be to prevent Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapon. "We call upon Iran to engage in negotiations leading to an agreement that addresses all concerns associated with its nuclear program. We stand ready to contribute to that goal in coordination with all parties. "We urge Iran not to take any further action that could destabilise the region. We will continue our joint diplomatic efforts to defuse tensions and ensure the conflict does not intensify and spread further." US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth said Operation Midnight Hammer was 'an incredible and overwhelming success' that took months and weeks of planning. He added Trump has been clear that "any retaliation by Iran" against the US would be "met with force far greater" than what was seen on Saturday night. Hegseth said: 'Iran would be smart to heed those words. He's said it before, and he means it.' The Defence Secretary went on to praise the US leader, calling it "bold and brilliant, showing the world that American deterrence is back". He urged: "When this President speaks, the world should listen." US warns it WILL strike again and world 'should listen to Trump' Iran's foreign minister Abbas Arghchi has said he is going to Russia today to meet mad leader Putin. He revealed: 'I'm going to Moscow this afternoon, and I have a meeting with President Putin tomorrow morning.' Arghchi called Moscow a 'friend of Iran,' adding 'we always consult with each other'. Fears loom that the conflict could spiral into a world war, with Putin puppet Dmitry Medvedev making a veiled threat to supply Iran with nuclear weapons. He said: "A number of countries are ready to directly supply Iran with their nuclear weapons." After declaring the US strikes as being a success, Trump warned that further action could be taken if Tehran doesn't agree to an adequate peace deal. He said in a nationally televised speech at the White House: "Iran, the bully of the Middle East, must now make peace. If they do not, future attacks will be far greater and a lot easier." "There will be either peace or there will be tragedy for Iran far greater than we have witnessed over the last eight days." 11 A closer satellite view shows holes and craters on a ridge at Fordow underground Credit: Reuters 11 President Donald Trump speaks from the East Room of the White House in Washington after the strikes 11 Trump addressed the world after announcing the strikes 'Remember there are many targets left. Tonight's was the most difficult of them all, by far, and perhaps the most lethal. 'But if peace does not come quickly we will go after those other targets with precision, speed and skill. 'Most of them can be taken out in a matter of minutes. There's no military in the world that could have done what we did tonight." And shortly after speaking on-camera, he posted to Truth Social: "This cannot continue. There will be either peace or there will be tragedy for Iran far greater than we have witnessed over the last eight days. "Remember, there are many targets left. Tonight's was the most difficult of them all, by far, and perhaps the most lethal. "But if peace does not come quickly we will go after those other targets with precision, speed and skill." Meanwhile Iran's foreign minister Abbas Arghchi dubbed the strikes "outrageous and will have everlasting consequences". He also called the military action "a grave violation of the UN Charter, international law and the NPT by attacking Iran's peaceful nuclear installations". 11 Imagery shows where the bombs likely entered before pummelling Credit: maxar technologies 11 The Isfahan nuclear technology center in Iran after U.S. bombardment Credit: AP 11 Fordow Fuel Enrichment Plant in Iran before the US blitz
Express Tribune
6 hours ago
- Politics
- Express Tribune
PM terms US strikes 'serious violation of international law' in call with Iranian president
Listen to article Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has strongly condemned the recent US military strikes on Iran's nuclear facilities, calling them a serious violation of international law. According to a statement from the Prime Minister's Office on Sunday, Sharif conveyed Pakistan's position during a telephone call with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian. The US strikes followed eight days of what Pakistan termed as Israel's "unprovoked and unjustified aggression." 'The Prime Minister expressed deep concern that the US attacks had targeted facilities under the safeguards of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA),' the statement said. 'These attacks constituted a serious violation of international law and the IAEA Statute,' he was quoted as saying. Sharif also recognised Iran's right to self-defence under Article 51 of the United Nations Charter but emphasised the urgent need to return to dialogue and diplomacy. 'The only viable path forward is through diplomatic engagement,' he said, urging collective efforts to de-escalate regional tensions. He reiterated Pakistan's readiness to play a constructive role in promoting peace. Premier reaffirmed Pakistan's 'unwavering solidarity' with the Iranian people and government. He also extended condolences over the loss of life and prayed for the swift recovery of the injured. In response, President Pezeshkian thanked Pakistan for its support and solidarity, including backing from its military leadership. 'The two leaders emphasised the urgency of forging unity among the Ummah at this critical juncture,' the statement added. Washington enters Iran conflict US forces struck Iran's three main nuclear sites, President Donald Trump said in a televised speech late on June 21 and he warned Tehran it would face more devastating attacks if it does not agree to peace. The US strikes included 14 bunker-buster bombs, more than two dozen Tomahawk missiles and over 125 military aircraft, in an operation the top US general, General Dan Caine, said was named "Operation Midnight." After days of deliberation and long before his self-imposed two-week deadline, Trump's decision to join Israel's military invasion against its major rival Iran is a major escalation of the assault and risks opening a new era of instability in the Middle East. "A short time ago, we carried out massive precision strikes on three nuclear facilities in the Iranian regime," he announced. Read More: Tehran vows self-defence with 'all force' after US strikes three nuclear installations The strikes were a spectacular military success," Trump said in the White House televised address. "Iran's key nuclear enrichment facilities have been completely and totally obliterated." Iran's Foreign Ministry has strongly condemned the US military strike on its nuclear facilities, calling the action an unprecedented breach of international law and a grave violation of the UN Charter. In a statement, the Islamic Republic of Iran accused the United States of a 'brutal military aggression' against its peaceful nuclear infrastructure. Tehran held Washington fully responsible for what it called a 'heinous crime' and warned of 'dangerous consequences' stemming from the attack.
News24
8 hours ago
- Politics
- News24
US strikes against Iran not aimed at regime change, Pentagon chief says
US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth emphasised that the recent US strikes on Iran's nuclear sites were aimed at neutralising threats, not initiating regime change. The operation, named 'Operation Midnight,' deployed significant military resources, resulting in severe damage to Iranian nuclear sites but heightened tensions in the already volatile Middle East. Iran responded with missile strikes on Israel, causing damage and injuries, while also threatening to close the Hormuz Strait, a critical oil shipment route, as US forces in the region remain on high alert. The US military's strikes on Iran's nuclear sites were not a preamble to plans for regime change, US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth said on Sunday, adding that private messages had been sent to Tehran encouraging them to negotiate. Still, Hegseth warned Iran against following through with past threats of retaliation against the United States, and said US forces were postured to defend themselves, and take action if needed. "This mission was not and has not been about regime change," Hegseth told a reporters at the Pentagon. "The president authorised a precision operation to neutralize the threats to our national interests posed by the Iranian nuclear program." The US strikes included 14 bunker-buster bombs, more than two dozen Tomahawk missiles and over 125 military aircraft, in an operation the top US general, General Dan Caine, said was named "Operation Midnight." Caine said initial battle damage assessments indicated that all three sites sustained extremely severe damage and destruction, but he declined to speculate whether any Iranian nuclear capabilities might still be intact. The operation pushes the Middle East to the brink of a major new conflagration in a region already aflame for more than 20 months with wars in Gaza and Lebanon and a toppled dictator in Syria. Tehran has vowed to defend itself, and responded with a volley of missiles at Israel that wounded scores of people and destroyed buildings in its commercial hub Tel Aviv. But, perhaps in an effort to avert all-out war with the superpower, it had yet to carry out its main threats of retaliation - to target US bases or choke off the quarter of the world's oil shipments that pass through its waters. The Iranian parliament approved closing the Hormuz strait, a potential choke point for oil shipments, but the country's top security body is required to make a final decision, Iran's press TV reported. Caine said the US military had increased protection of troops in the region, including in Iraq and Syria. "Our forces remain on high alert and are fully postured to respond to any Iranian retaliation or proxy attacks, which would be an incredibly poor choice," Caine said.
