In a highly secretive and unprecedented operation named Operation Midnight Hammer, the U.S. military launched a surprise airstrike on three major Iranian nuclear sites early Sunday, June 22, 2025.

Axar.az reports that the Associated Press has revealed further details on how the U.S. carried out the strikes with stealth and precision.

The operation targeted Fordo, Natanz, and Isfahan using B-2 stealth bombers armed with 30,000-pound "bunker buster" bombs and supported by Tomahawk cruise missiles fired from a U.S. submarine.

To ensure tactical surprise, the U.S. deployed decoys, kept communications minimal, and flew the bombers covertly for 18 hours from Missouri to the Eastern Mediterranean. A separate group of bombers flew west as a diversion while seven B-2s flew eastward to strike. The mission involved 125 aircraft and a total of 75 precision-guided weapons.

According to U.S. officials, Iran failed to detect or respond to the attack.

No immediate signs of radiation leaks were reported. Despite Iran’s denial of serious damage, U.S. officials believe the mission crippled Iran’s nuclear capabilities. The Pentagon confirmed that this was the largest B-2 operational strike in U.S. history and marked the first combat use of bunker busters.

The stealth, coordination, and scale of the operation underscored Washington’s intent to deliver a powerful blow while keeping the window open for diplomacy.