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Pentagon Reveals Tactical Surprise of Iran Strikes: 'Operation Midnight Hammer' | WSJ News
WSJ Newsยท 2025-06-22 13:23
Military Operation Overview - US military operation "Midnight Hammer" targeted Iranian nuclear program, specifically infrastructure at Esphahan, Foraux and Natans [1][3][4] - The operation involved approximately 75 precision-guided weapons, including 14 GBU57 massive ordinance penetrators (30,000 lb each) [6][7] - Over 125 US aircraft participated, including B2 bombers, fighters, tankers, and ISR assets [8] Strategic and Tactical Execution - The operation employed deception tactics, including decoy aircraft and electronic warfare, to maintain surprise [1][3] - Tomahawk cruise missiles were launched from a US submarine to strike targets at Esphahan [3] - High-speed suppression weapons and preemptive suppressing fires were used to neutralize Iranian surface-to-air missile threats [3] Battle Damage Assessment - Initial assessments indicate extremely severe damage and destruction to all three Iranian nuclear infrastructure sites [7] - The primary target, Fordo, is believed to have suffered destruction of capabilities [8] - Iranian air defenses and fighter aircraft did not engage the US strike package [6]