Trump: “We took the bomb right out of their hands”
U.S. President Donald Trump praised the American military operation in Iran, calling it a “spectacular military success.” In a post on Truth Social, he praised the US military for “taking the “bomb” right out of [Iran’s] hands.”
Trump also criticized political opponents who objected to the strike, singling out Republican Congressman Thomas Massie and saying, “Iran has killed and maimed thousands of Americans, and even took over the American Embassy in Tehran under the Carter Administration.”
Under Cover of Deception—How the U.S. Took Out Iran’s Nuclear Sites
The U.S. military executed the operation, known as “Midnight Hammer,” with high-level precision and stealth. Seven B-2 “Spirit” bombers flew an 18-hour mission from the U.S., using diversionary flight paths over the Pacific and airborne decoys. Just before entering Iranian airspace, over 20 Tomahawk missiles were launched from a U.S. submarine toward the Isfahan facility.
Six B-2 aircraft struck the Fordow site with pairs of GBU-57 bombs. A seventh hit the Natanz facility. According to the Pentagon, 14 bombs—totaling over 190 tons—hit the Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan sites within a 25-minute window.
“Iranian planes didn’t take off, and defense systems never saw us”
The U.S. Chairman of the Joint Chiefs said after the strike, “It will take time to assess the full damage, but significant destruction is confirmed at all three sites.” He noted that Iran’s air force did not launch, and its defense systems failed to detect the bombers.
Jerusalem Salutes Trump
Israel quickly responded with gratitude. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called Trump’s decision “brave,” saying “it will change history. First comes strength—then comes peace.” Jerusalem lit up the Old City walls and the Knesset in the colors of the Israeli and American flags in honor of the strike.
Knesset Speaker Amir Ohana declared, “On behalf of the Israeli parliament, I thank President Trump for a historic, courageous, and moral act that will be remembered as the day the U.S. saved the world from the immense threat of weapons of mass destruction in the hands of the ayatollah regime.”
Jerusalem Mayor Moshe Lion echoed the praise, stating: “The flag projection symbolizes the deep friendship with the U.S. We thank President Trump and the American administration for a decisive action that will ensure Israel’s security and resilience for many years.”
The Weapons Behind the Strike
At the heart of the operation were the B-2 “Spirit” stealth bomber and the GBU-57 bomb (also known as the MOP—Massive Ordnance Penetrator). Developed in secrecy since the late 1970s, the B-2 was first revealed in 1988 and entered service in 1997. It remains the only aircraft in the world capable of carrying such heavy bunker-busting bombs while remaining undetected.
The Bomb That Cracked the Mountain
The GBU-57 weighs 30,000 pounds (13,600 kg) and was specifically designed to penetrate deeply buried targets. It features GPS and INS (inertial navigation system) guidance, a reinforced body, and smart sensors that time the detonation based on depth. It can only be carried by the B-2 and required extensive engineering modifications to integrate.
The Moment It All Came Together—Operation “Midnight Hammer”
The nighttime air assault included 125 U.S. aircraft and dozens of Tomahawk missiles. Satellite images from the morning after show six large craters near Fordow and signs of pinpoint strikes at other sites. The pilots returned to base without encountering Iranian fighter jets or anti-aircraft fire.
A Show of Force, A Call for Talks
Despite the strike’s intensity and clear success, Trump renewed his call for diplomatic talks. In both Israel and much of the U.S. political sphere—aside from some dissent—the operation was widely applauded as a reality-changing moment.
