'When this president speaks, the world should listen': US briefs on Iran strikes codenamed 'Midnight Hammer'
The United States defence department on Sunday briefed the media on Operation 'Midnight Hammer', confirming its success in "obliterating" Iran's nuclear ambitions. It informed that US military conducted targeted strikes at Iran's nuclear sites in Fordow, Isfahan and Natanz and the operation was being planned for "months".
US secretary of defence, Pete Hegseth, categorically hinted at Donald Trump's warnings against Iran's possession of nuclear weapon and said, "When this President speaks, the world should listen, and the US military, we can back it up."
"When POTUS says 60 days that he seeks peace and negotiation, he means 60 days of peace and negotiation. Otherwise, that nuclear program, that nuclear capability will not exist. This is not the previous administration. President Trump said no nukes. He seeks peace and Iran should take that path," he added.
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Here are key points from the briefing:
Successful strikes:
US defense secretary Pete Hegseth confirmed successful precision strikes on Iran's Fordow, Isfahan, and Natanz nuclear facilities, ordered by US President Trump.
Strategic planning:
The operation was the result of months and weeks of planning and coordination, particularly with Israel, indicating it was not a spontaneous decision.
Coordinated effort with Israel:
Hegseth credited Israel as a key ally in the operation, acknowledging their role in the joint preparation and execution of the mission.
Mission objective:
The goal was to destroy or severely degrade Iran's nuclear program; Hegseth said the mission 'obliterated' Iran's nuclear ambitions.
No regime change goal:
Hegseth clarified that the mission was not aimed at regime change in Iran.
No civilian targets:
The operation specifically avoided targeting Iranian troops or civilians.
Clear deterrence message:
The operation was intended to reassert American deterrence and demonstrate that the US will act swiftly and decisively to protect its people, interests, and partners.
Trump's longstanding warning:
Hegseth emphasized Trump has warned Iran for over a decade against developing nuclear weapons, asserting this operation fulfilled that stance.
Military strength:
He highlighted the operation as proof of America's unmatched military capability and restored global deterrence.
'Bunker busters' used:
The strike featured the longest B-2 Spirit bomber mission since 2001 and marked the first operational use of the Massive Ordnance Penetrator (MOP) — a powerful bunker-busting bomb designed to target deeply buried facilities.
Iran's reaction:
Iran condemned the strikes as illegal and vowed to continue its nuclear program despite the attack.
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