Targeted Sites: Fordo, Natanz, and Isfahan

The attack, which took place in the early hours of Sunday morning in Iran, targeted key nuclear sites at Fordo, Natanz, and Isfahan. These locations are central to Iran’s uranium enrichment program. The operation involved advanced U.S. B-2 stealth bombers and submarines firing Tomahawk missiles. According to U.S. officials, the mission was “highly successful,” though the full extent of the damage is still being assessed.

Source: MAXAR

What surprised many was the level of secrecy and misdirection involved. Just two days before the strike, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt had read a message from Mr. Trump suggesting he might wait “two weeks” before deciding on military action. This was, in fact, a deliberate deception to confuse Iran and global observers.

Combat Debut of GBU-57 Bunker Busters

Meanwhile, according to the NYT report, American military planners had already moved into action. Two groups of B-2 bombers left Missouri at the same time — one flying west as a visible decoy, and the other, with its transponders off, headed east toward Iran. The aircraft approached Iranian airspace under full secrecy, joined by fighter jets to protect them from surface-to-air threats.

At 2:10 a.m. Iran time, the first of 14 GBU-57 “bunker buster” bombs hit the deeply buried Fordo nuclear site — the first time these powerful bombs have ever been used in combat. The Pentagon later confirmed there was no resistance from Iranian defenses during the mission.

Trump’s Online Hints and Warnings

Trump’s decision came after weeks of public confusion. On social media, he alternated between calls for peace and threats of war. He told followers on Truth Social to “stay tuned” and at one point even posted, “Everyone should evacuate Tehran!” His unpredictable behavior caused concern at the Pentagon, where officials feared his posts were giving away too much about U.S. military plans.

Inside the administration, there was disagreement. Some advisers, like Steve Bannon and JD Vance, urged restraint. Others pushed for stronger action, especially after Israeli forces carried out their own strikes on Iranian targets. Trump, impressed by Israel’s bold move, began considering a joint approach.

No Regime Change—Yet

After the mission, Trump declared that Iran’s nuclear program had been “completely and totally obliterated.” But by Sunday evening, officials softened that claim, admitting that while damage was extensive, Iran’s nuclear capabilities were not entirely destroyed.

Despite Trump’s aggressive tone, both Vice President Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio stressed that the goal was not regime change in Iran. Still, Trump later hinted online that if Iran’s leadership can’t “make Iran great again,” then change might be necessary.

The situation remains tense, and all eyes are now on how Iran will respond — with diplomacy or retaliation.