us bombs iran

Washington, D.C., June 23, 2025 — In a stunning escalation of Middle East tensions, the United States confirmed a pre-dawn airstrike on Iran’s heavily fortified Fordow nuclear site, marking the most aggressive U.S. military action in the region since the 2020s. The bombing, dubbed “Operation Midnight Hammer,” was personally authorized by former President Donald Trump, who re-entered office amid a heated global security crisis.

The Pentagon confirmed the use of Tomahawk cruise missiles and B-2 stealth bombers in the strike, which targeted Fordow—a deep underground facility near Qom known for uranium enrichment. Initial satellite images from Maxar Technologies show large plumes of smoke, partially collapsed entry shafts, and high-temperature scorch zones at the site. Iran has not yet confirmed the extent of the damage, but unverified state TV reports called it "significant."

Why Did the U.S. Bomb Iran?

Sources inside the White House say intelligence agencies intercepted urgent communications suggesting Iran had reactivated uranium enrichment at levels violating the 2015 JCPOA agreement, which the country had formally abandoned in 2022. The Fordow site was reportedly being retrofitted to produce weapons-grade uranium at a scale not seen since pre-2010 inspections.

"Fordow crossed a red line," said General Dan Caine, Deputy Commander of CENTCOM. "This wasn’t just about diplomacy failing—it was about imminent danger."

Adding to the urgency, Israeli intelligence warned of potential transfers of enriched uranium to Iran's regional allies, raising fears that Hezbollah or the Assad regime might gain access to nuclear material.

Trump's Justification and National Address

Speaking from the White House East Room in a late-night broadcast streamed live on Fox News, CNN, and Truth Social, President Trump confirmed the strike, stating:

“We struck because we had no choice. Iran’s nuclear games were about to become nuclear threats. I will always put America first—and that means stopping those who threaten peace with a mushroom cloud.”

He referred to Iran’s leadership as "madmen with missiles," and repeatedly said the strike was meant to prevent war, not provoke it—a sentiment disputed across Capitol Hill and world capitals.

Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (AOC) condemned the action, tweeting: “This was unilateral war. Congress was bypassed again. We are NOT at war with Iran—yet.”

Iran’s Response and the Risk of War

Iran’s President, Mohammad Bagheri, appeared on Iranian state television just hours after the strike. Standing beside a large map of U.S. bases in Iraq, Syria, and the Persian Gulf, Bagheri declared:

“This was not a surgical strike. This was an act of war. America will bleed.”

Military analysts fear that Iran may retaliate by activating its proxies—militias in Iraq, Yemen’s Houthis, and Hezbollah in Lebanon—to target U.S. personnel and assets across the region. Cyberattacks and missile launches remain top concerns, with U.S. cities like New York, Washington D.C., and San Diego on high alert.

Russia and China React

Russia’s Foreign Ministry swiftly condemned the bombing, calling it "a reckless act of aggression that risks global conflict." Meanwhile, China, currently brokering stalled nuclear talks, urged restraint but refrained from openly siding with Iran. Beijing also confirmed an emergency oil shipment to Tehran, signaling economic support.

The United Nations Security Council has called for an emergency session, with Secretary-General António Guterres warning that "the drumbeats of war are deafening."

Oil Markets in Turmoil

The immediate consequence of the bombing was felt in global markets. Oil futures skyrocketed 18%, with Brent Crude hitting $117 a barrel—its highest since 2022. Investors are bracing for instability in the Strait of Hormuz, through which nearly 20% of the world’s oil supply flows.

Wall Street opened in chaos, with the Dow Jones Futures dropping 900 points at opening bell. Defense stocks surged, while tech and travel plummeted.

Domestic Fallout and 2025 Election Ramifications

Trump’s move has reignited fierce debates over executive war powers, particularly as he bypassed Congress in authorizing the strike. Critics, including Senator Bernie Sanders and Rep. Thomas Massie, have called for emergency hearings.

Still, many of Trump’s supporters rallied behind the move, seeing it as decisive leadership. Pete Hegseth, speaking on Fox News, praised it as “a masterclass in preemptive action.”

Political analysts say this could dominate the 2025 election discourse. John Fetterman, among Trump's most vocal opponents, posted: “This is what happens when Truth Social replaces diplomacy.”

What Happens Next?

The Pentagon has placed U.S. forces in the Middle East and Europe on DEFCON 2—the highest alert since the Gulf War. Israel has mobilized reserves, and NATO allies have begun consultations.

Iran’s next move remains unknown. But with reports of activity at Natanz and Isfahan, experts warn that Iran may double down on its nuclear ambitions.

The world is watching—and wondering: Did America just prevent a nuclear war—or start one?