A bold U.S. military strike on Iran’s nuclear sites has sparked heated debate after reports questioned its success. On June 21, 2025, President Donald Trump launched “Operation Midnight Hammer,” hitting three key facilities—Fordo, Natanz, and Isfahan—with over 100 aircraft, including B-2 stealth bombers. Trump touted the mission as a triumph, but new intelligence suggests the damage may not have been as severe as claimed, prompting a fiery response from the president.
A nuclear expert told a British news outlet that Iran likely moved weapons and materials before the strikes, protecting its nuclear program. Dr. Jeffrey Lewis, a former advisor on international security, said Fordo is just one of many underground sites and noted Iran had time to power down and relocate equipment. A leaked Defense Intelligence Agency assessment, reported by a U.S. outlet, agreed, stating Iran’s enriched uranium stockpile survived, possibly requiring another strike in the future.
Trump hit back, accusing the media of disrespecting the skilled pilots who executed the operation. On Truth Social, he called the reports fake news, insisting Iran’s nuclear sites were obliterated. He blasted major outlets for trying to downplay what he called one of history’s most successful strikes, claiming public outrage was growing against them.
White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt also dismissed the intelligence report as false, blaming an anonymous leaker for spreading lies to undermine Trump. She highlighted the mission’s precision, with 14 massive 30,000-pound bombs hitting their targets, arguing it completely destroyed Iran’s nuclear capabilities. The clash between official claims and emerging reports has raised questions about the strike’s true impact.
This controversy underscores the high stakes of military action against Iran. As Trump defends the operation’s success, the conflicting accounts fuel discussion about its effectiveness and what comes next. The mission’s legacy—whether a decisive blow or a partial hit—will shape how the world views this critical moment in global defense strategy.
