U.S. military officials disclosed Sunday that over 125 U.S. military aircraft participated in a coordinated air campaign which hit multiple Iranian nuclear facilities over the weekend. This revelation follows increasing tensions in the Middle East and increasing global concern over possible conflict.
General Kenneth McKenzie, former U.S. Central Command Commander and now serving as a senior Pentagon adviser, described this mission as one of the largest precision strike operations ever attempted in recent U.S. history, using stealth bombers, fighter jets, surveillance drones, refueling tankers and electronic warfare aircraft.
General McKenzie stated at a Pentagon press briefing: “In total, over 125 aircraft operated from land bases throughout the Middle East and aircraft carriers in international waters; their mission was clear: disrupt and degrade Iran’s uranium enrichment infrastructure at Natanz, Fordow, and Isfahan.”
The coordinated attack, carried out early Saturday morning and led by US forces, targeted facilities long considered key components of Iran’s nuclear development program. Satellite images released by commercial intelligence firms appear to show extensive damage at both Natanz and Fordow sites; several key buildings were reduced to rubble during this attack.
Iran officials, however, have minimized the damage, noting that all facilities remained fully functional and no radioactive material was released into the atmosphere. Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei condemned this attack as an “act of desperation and aggression,” while military leaders promised swift retaliation “at our time and place of choosing”.
General McKenzie underscored that U.S. forces had taken comprehensive steps to avoid civilian casualties and damage to infrastructure nearby. “This was a highly technical operation,” he stated, “and we planned meticulously in order to minimize civilian areas as much as possible while upholding precision targeting standards with high precision targeting standards.
Mission personnel reported that B-2 Spirit stealth bombers operated with F-35s for air cover and aerial refueling aircraft to extend their range, and electronic warfare units were employed during the operation to suppress Iran’s radar and missile defense systems.
Former President Donald Trump, widely recognized for advocating strong action against Iran, applauded its mission during a political rally in Texas. “This mission showed our strength and resolve,” Trump stated. “We hit them hard, sending the message that there will be no more games.”
Reactions to the operation have been varied. U.S. allies like Israel and the United Arab Emirates expressed strong support, while European Union and United Nations representatives called for immediate de-escalation and diplomatic efforts; Russia and China condemned the strikes and warned of serious repercussions should any more military actions take place.
Biden Administration remains restrained, noting that although they stand behind US actions to counter nuclear proliferation, they also seek dialogue and regional stability.
As the world closely tracks Iran’s nuclear ambitions, Washington’s massive counterintelligence operation demonstrates just how seriously they take them and is prepared to go to stop them.