United States strikes on Iranian nuclear sites facts for kids

Kids Encyclopedia Facts

Quick facts for kids Operation Midnight Hammer
Part of the Iran–Israel war
Location	Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan, Iran
Planned by	United States
Commanded by	Donald Trump
Objective	To destroy Iran's nuclear facilities
Date	June 22, 2025 (2025-06-22) 2:10 a.m. (IRST)
Executed by	United States Air Force United States Navy
Outcome	According to the U.S.: All three sites were heavily damaged. Natanz was destroyed; Fordow and Isfahan had major damage. According to Iran: Sites had only minor damage. No lasting harm was done.

"Operation Midnight Hammer" was a military attack by the United States Air Force and Navy. On June 22, 2025, they targeted three nuclear sites in Iran. This action was part of the ongoing Iran–Israel war.

The main goal was to destroy parts of Iran's nuclear program. The sites hit were the Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan nuclear centers. Powerful bombs called GBU-57A/B MOPs were dropped by Northrop B-2 Spirit stealth bombers. Missiles called Tomahawk missiles were also fired from a submarine.

This was the first time the United States directly attacked in the Iran–Israel war. This conflict had started on June 13 with attacks by Israel. U.S. President Donald Trump announced the strikes. He called the operation "very successful."

Many lawmakers in the U.S. supported the action. However, some were worried about whether the President had the right to order it. Countries around the world had different reactions. Some welcomed the strikes, while others worried about the conflict getting worse.

Why Did This Happen?

Iran's Nuclear Program

Iran has a nuclear program. For many years, there have been concerns that Iran might try to build nuclear weapons. Iran is part of a treaty called the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT). This treaty aims to stop the spread of nuclear weapons.

However, Iran has faced issues for not following the NPT rules. This led to economic sanctions against the country. In 2015, a deal called the Iran nuclear deal (JCPOA) was made. It lifted some sanctions. But in 2018, the U.S. left this deal. It put sanctions back on Iran.

One key nuclear site is the Fordow plant. It is built deep underground, about 80 to 90 meters down. To destroy such a deep site, the U.S. military planned to use special "bunker buster" bombs. These bombs are very heavy. Only B-2 bombers can carry them. The U.S. is the only country with these bombs and bombers.

In May 2025, a group called the IAEA reported something important. They said Iran had greatly increased its supply of uranium. This uranium was enriched to 60% purity. This level is close to what is needed for nuclear weapons. The IAEA warned that this amount was enough for several nuclear weapons.

Israel's Concerns

Israel believes that if countries in its region get nuclear weapons, it would be a huge danger. Israel has taken many steps to stop such developments. The conflict between Iran and Israel has grown since October 2023. This is partly because Hamas, a group fighting Israel, gets some funding from Iran.

The United States has a long history of supporting Israel. This includes giving money for its military.

U.S. Lawmakers' Views

Before the attacks, some U.S. lawmakers raised concerns. Senator Tim Kaine and Representatives Thomas Massie and Ro Khanna introduced resolutions. These resolutions stated that the President needed Congress's approval to use military force against Iran. This approval would come from a declaration of war or a special authorization.

Preparing for the Attack

In the weeks before June 22, the U.S. prepared for possible action. It advised its citizens to leave Iran. It also moved some military forces. This included many air tankers flying to Europe.

Iran also took steps. It increased its oil exports. Iran also said it had moved nuclear materials from its Fordow and Natanz sites. This was done to protect them from any attack.

On June 21, the U.S. sent B-2 stealth bombers to Guam. U.S. military bases in the Middle East went on high alert. They improved their air defense systems. This was because Iran had threatened to strike any country helping Israel.

Reports later said that the U.S. and Israeli militaries had practiced this attack before. This practice happened during a training exercise in 2024.

The Attack Itself

How the Attack Happened

On June 22, the U.S. Air Force and Navy launched "Operation Midnight Hammer." They attacked three Iranian nuclear sites. These were Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan.

Seven Northrop B-2 Spirit bombers flew from Whiteman Air Force Base in Missouri. Six of these B-2s dropped 12 GBU-57A/B MOP bombs on the Fordow site. The seventh B-2 dropped two MOPs on Natanz. A submarine also fired 30 Tomahawk missiles at the Natanz and Isfahan sites. The attacks happened around 2:30 a.m. local time in Iran.

The "bunker buster" MOP bombs had never been used in a real battle before. They are so heavy that only B-2 bombers can carry them. The B-2s flew for about 37 hours straight. They were refueled several times in the air. Other U.S. fighter jets flew ahead of the B-2s. They cleared the way by stopping any air defense fire. No such fire was detected.

What Was the Damage?

Satellite images of the Fordow site taken after the attacks showed signs of bomb hits. The area was covered in grey-blue ash. The Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Dan Caine, said the sites were "severely damaged." He added that it would take time to fully check the damage.

U.S. and Israeli officials believed the Fordow plant was badly damaged. However, they did not think it was completely destroyed.

President Trump's Announcement

After the attacks, President Trump posted on social media. He wrote that the attack on the three nuclear sites was "very successful." He said all planes were safely on their way home. He congratulated the "American Warriors."

Trump also gave a short TV speech. He claimed Iran's nuclear facilities were "completely and totally obliterated." He called the strikes a "spectacular military success." He warned of more attacks if Iran did not seek peace. He ended by saying, "God bless America" and "God bless Israel."

Immediately after, Trump posted another message. He warned that any Iranian retaliation would be met with "force far greater."

What Happened Next?

Security and Meetings

After the attacks, police in Washington, D.C., and New York increased security. They focused on religious buildings. Israel also closed its airspace.

The U.S. State Department ordered some government staff and their families to leave Lebanon. On June 22, the United Nations Security Council held an emergency meeting. Iran had asked for this meeting to discuss the airstrikes.

U.S. Statements After the Attack

U.S. officials, including Vance and Rubio, said that changing Iran's government was not a goal. However, President Trump later suggested that a change in government might be good for Iran.

U.S. officials also admitted they did not know where Iran's enriched uranium was. They thought it had likely been moved from Fordow before the attacks.

How Did the World React?

Reactions in the United States

Many Republican lawmakers praised the strikes. Senator Lindsey Graham called it "the right call." House Speaker Mike Johnson said President Trump had been clear that Iran should not have nuclear weapons. Senator Tom Cotton tweeted that Trump "made the right call."

Some Democratic lawmakers also supported the action. Senator John Fetterman said it was the "correct move." He stated that Iran should not have nuclear abilities.

However, other Democrats and some Republicans were critical. Representative Jim Himes said Trump's action was "a clear violation of the Constitution." He argued that Congress should approve military action. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries said Trump "misled the country." He worried about the U.S. getting deeply involved in a war.

Republican Representative Thomas Massie said the strikes were "not constitutional." Independent Senator Bernie Sanders called them "alarming" and "grossly unconstitutional."

Iran's Response

Iran's Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei, did not immediately give an official response. Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi condemned the strikes. He called them a "reckless violation of the UN Charter." He said Iran would defend itself.

An Iranian advisor claimed Iran expected the attack. He said Fordow was evacuated. He also stated that no lasting damage was done. The Atomic Energy Organization of Iran (AEOI) called the attacks "barbaric." They said Iran would seek justice and continue its nuclear program.

On June 22, the Iranian parliament voted to close the Strait of Hormuz. This strait is very important for world oil and gas shipping. This decision still needed final approval.

Israel's Response

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu congratulated Trump. He called the decision "bold" and a "historic turning point." He said Trump "has done what no other country on earth could do." President Isaac Herzog also thanked the United States.

Other Countries' Reactions

Many countries around the world reacted to the strikes. Some supported the U.S. action. For example, the Prime Minister of Albania supported efforts to stop Iran from getting nuclear weapons. The President of Argentina celebrated the attacks. The Prime Minister of Czechia called the strike an "understandable effort."

Other countries expressed concern or condemned the attacks. China and Cuba strongly condemned the strikes. They called them a violation of international law. Egypt warned of "dangers of the region sliding into further chaos." Norway expressed "deep concern" and said the conflict had no military solution. Russia called the strikes "irresponsible." Saudi Arabia condemned the "violation of Iran's sovereignty."

Groups in the Region React

Groups linked to Iran in the region also reacted. Hamas called the strikes "blatant aggression." Hezbollah condemned the attacks. They called them a "barbaric and treacherous American aggression." However, Hezbollah said it would not retaliate. The Houthis also condemned the strikes.

Images for kids

Timeline of Operation Midnight Hammer
Trump and J.D. Vance in the Situation Room on June 21 during the strikes
GBU-57 MOP of the type used in the operation
Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Dan Caine conduct a press briefing at the Pentagon, June 22, 2025