In a high-stakes operation, President Donald Trump authorized airstrikes on three Iranian nuclear facilities, a decision with profound implications for US national security and his presidential legacy. The B-2 stealth bombers, armed with bunker busters, were set in motion from Missouri towards Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan. Trump, seemingly calm and jovial in public, oversaw the operation with precision and secrecy, code-named “Operation Midnight Hammer.”

The decision to proceed with the strikes thrust the US into the Middle East conflict, sparking concerns about Iranian retaliation and Trump’s long-term strategy. Despite public deliberation and diplomatic efforts, Trump’s resolve was evident as the strikes unfolded in real-time, culminating in a statement declaring military success and urging Iran to make peace.

The meticulous planning involved months of preparation, with strategic misdirection and operational security at the forefront. Discussions on potential strikes began in earnest at Camp David, where CIA Director John Ratcliffe briefed Trump on imminent Israeli actions. The operation involved a fleet of aircraft, including stealth bombers and submarines, targeting key Iranian sites.

Trump’s calculated approach aimed for decisive action while avoiding prolonged conflict, balancing the need for impactful strikes with concerns over escalation. As the region braced for potential reprisals, the operation signaled a critical juncture in US-Iran relations, leaving uncertainties about the future course of action and the volatile situation in the Middle East.