Operation Midnight Hammer
The U.S. bombed Iran’s three main nuclear sites over the weekend.
What happened?
On Saturday night, President Trump announced that U.S. B-2 bombers “obliterated” three of Iran’s key nuclear sites—Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan—calling it a “spectacular military success.” Twelve bunker-buster bombs (each capable of reaching sites buried under 300 feet of rock) were dropped on Fordow, two on Natanz, and 30 Tomahawk missiles were launched from American submarines over 400 miles away.
The Pentagon emphasized Sunday that the “intentionally limited” operation directly targeted nuclear infrastructure, not Iranian troops or civilians.
Iran’s Atomic Energy Organization reported no increase in off-site radiation.
What led to this?
The strikes came after nine days of Israel’s bombing campaign aimed at halting Iran’s nuclear pursuits. Iran has responded with missile attacks on Israel and has vowed to retaliate against the U.S.
POTUS reportedly approved the strike plans Tuesday but held off on entering the chat to see if Tehran would abandon its nuclear program. (It didn’t.)
What are people saying?
Responses have been very mixed, both in the U.S. and abroad.
Israel praised the “bold” decision, while others, including China and Russia, condemned the strikes. Many American allies, including the U.K. and Italy, offered support for the strike while focusing on the need for diplomacy moving forward.
Stateside, most Republican lawmakers, including Speaker Johnson (R-LA) and Senator Cruz (R-TX), applauded the strikes as necessary to ensure Iran never acquired a nuclear weapon. Meanwhile, Democratic lawmakers, including Rep. Jeffries (D-NY) and Senate Minority Leader Schumer (D-NY), criticized Trump for not seeking Congressional authorization before using military force. Multiple Democrats and one Republican (Rep. Thomas Massie, R-KY) have suggested the strikes were unconstitutional, backing legislation to prohibit further U.S. involvement in the conflict.
CHRISTIAN RESPONSE
War and the evil it exposes are a terrible reminder that the world is not as it should be. Seek peace where you are and trust that the Lord will end all war in his perfect timing.
“Nations rage, kingdoms topple; the earth melts when he lifts his voice. The LORD of Armies is with us; the God of Jacob is our stronghold… Come, see the works of the LORD, who brings devastation on the earth.”
Psalm 46:6–7, 9 (CSB) (read full passage)