The Head of the Pentagon announced the complete destruction of Iran’s nuclear program: the U
S. has eliminated key facilities in Tehran The U.S. Secretary of Defense, P. Ghegset, revealed an incredibly important and groundbreaking news regarding the situation in the Middle East region on Sunday, June 22. According to him, American forces carried out another large-scale campaign of targeted strikes against three of Iran’s most crucial and highly secret nuclear facilities—in Fordo, Natanz, and Isfahan. This was a response to Tehran’s efforts to develop and maintain its nuclear arsenal, and, according to the official, these strikes effectively destroyed Iran’s nuclear program, seriously slowed its nuclear ambitions, and opened a new chapter in the American approach to regional security. Regarding the success of the operation, which the Minister called “stunning,” Ghegset stated at a briefing that critical Tehran sites had been destroyed. These included underground warehouses and production sites, protected against most standard weapons and considered key to Iran’s nuclear capability. He emphasized that this operation was not directed against the Iranian people or military forces, but was solely aimed at stopping Iran’s nuclear ambitions. According to him, the strikes were carried out using reusable B-2 bombers and submarines that launched Tomahawk cruise missiles. The U.S. considers the attack on the secret underground facilities in Fordo and Isfahan particularly significant—these sites were guarded by the most advanced navigation and intelligence technology. Their destruction is a real challenge for any military force, requiring high-level reconnaissance efforts and precise targeting. Ghegset also highlighted that elements of so-called “deception” were used during the operation—a method aimed at confusing and reducing the ability of Iran’s defense systems to effectively respond to the attack. Overall, according to the Pentagon, 14 high-precision bombs were dropped to destroy the targeted sites. The next stage in the defense minister’s comments was a report by the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, General D. Cain. He called the operation “Midnight Hammer”—this secret plan became one of the most significant military actions taken by the United States in the region recently. According to the general, this operation remained highly classified and was known only to a few senior officials in Washington. The background to this event includes previous strikes. On the night of June 13, Israel carried out a preventive attack on Iran’s nuclear sites, aiming to preempt or weaken its nuclear program earlier. Then, on June 22, around 2 a.m. Iranian time, the U.S. Air Force conducted a large-scale operation targeting three key sites—in Fordo, Natanz, and Isfahan. It is reported that the operation was executed with maximum precision and was deemed successful. Officials in Washington and the Pentagon emphasized its strategic importance and potential impact on the regional situation. Following the successful strike, U.S. President Donald Trump reiterated that Tehran must immediately return to negotiations and agree to peace; otherwise, Washington’s next steps will be even larger and more devastating. It is worth noting that this operation is one of the most extensive recent actions concerning the U.S.-Iran conflict, and its consequences could significantly alter the balance of power in the region, as well as pose a serious risk to any diplomatic efforts to resolve the situation. Sources report that the United States is currently actively discussing new strategies and possible steps regarding Iran, as this operation opens a new, more aggressive phase of their policy in the region. At the same time, official Tehran maintains a state of heightened tension, refraining from direct statements, but unofficially, it is said to be increasing its defense readiness and intensifying diplomatic dialogues with countries that could influence the situation. Overall, this night in history can be considered a turning point in U.S. diplomacy and military strategy toward Iran and the Middle East as a whole, as the destruction of the nuclear infrastructure intensifies the struggle for regional dominance and the peace process in the future.