US Uses B-2 Bombers and Deception in Iran Air Strikes

Military Operation Overview - US Central Command executed a strike against three Iranian nuclear facilities, a high-risk mission demonstrating exceptional skill [1] - The operation, named Midnight Hammer, aimed to severely degrade Iran's nuclear weapons infrastructure [2][7] - The mission involved multiple domains and theaters, showcasing global power projection [3] Strategic Execution - A large B-2 strike package launched from the continental US, employing decoy tactics to maintain surprise [4] - The main strike package consisted of seven B-2 bombers, requiring multiple in-flight refuelings during the 18-hour flight [4][5] - A US submarine launched over two dozen Tomahawk Land Cruiser missiles against key infrastructure targets at Esfahan at approximately 5:00 PM EST [6] - Fourth and fifth-generation aircraft swept ahead of the strike package to counter enemy fighters and surface-to-air missile threats [7] Tactical Details and Impact - At approximately 6:40 PM EST, the lead B-2 dropped two Massive Ordnance Penetrator (MOP) weapons on Fordo, with a total of 14 MOPs dropped against two target areas [8] - All three Iranian nuclear infrastructure targets were struck between 6:40 PM and 7:45 PM EST, with Tomahawk missiles striking Isfahan last to maintain surprise [8][9] - Iranian fighters did not engage, and missile systems apparently did not detect the US strike package [9]