US strikes Iran's nuclear sites; Iran warns of consequences

TEL AVIV: Tensions in West Asia have escalated to a critical level following a US airstrike on Iran’s nuclear sites. The offensive, which Iran described as a severe blow, came after Tehran refused to engage in dialogue unless Israel halted its attacks. The US claimed it used massive bunker-buster bombs to destroy three major nuclear sites, including underground facilities, and asserted that Iran’s nuclear capability has been “neutralized.” While heavy damage was reported at all three locations, there were no signs of nuclear radiation leaks, according to initial assessments.

Iran denounced the US strike as a treacherous act and warned of a devastating retaliation. Growing concerns have emerged over possible Iranian attacks on US military bases in the region. Notably, around one-fourth of global oil exports pass through Iran’s maritime territory, which Tehran has now threatened to disrupt.

In response to the US offensive, Iran launched a missile strike on Israel, injuring more than 30 people and causing extensive damage in Tel Aviv and Haifa. Iran also claimed responsibility for attacks on Ben Gurion International Airport, a biological research centre, and several military installations in Israel.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu hailed the US action as a bold move that "rewrote history." Meanwhile, UN Secretary-General António Guterres expressed deep concern over the escalating conflict. Several countries, including Saudi Arabia and Oman, criticised the US for its actions.

“An astonishing military success. If Iran refuses peace, it must prepare for more destructive strikes.”
— Donald Trump, US President

Operation Midnight Hammer: 19 hours of flight and 20 minutes of strike

Attack- 4:10 am Sunday Indian time (2:10 am in Iran)
Departure: Saturday, 9:31 am Indian time

• Seven B-2 Spirit bombers took off from Whiteman Air Force Base in Missouri, US.
• Each aircraft carried two GBU-57 bunker-buster bombs (14 bombs in total).
• They flew over the North Atlantic and through Syrian and Iraqi airspace to Iran.
• They were refuelled in the air by three Boeing KC-46 Pegasus aircraft.

Strike at an altitude of 12 km

• The first plane at an altitude of 12 km over the underground nuclear centre in Fordow. Two bunker-buster bombs released.
• The bombs are directed to the target by receiving a satellite signal. Each bomb weighs 13,000 kilograms, so they are lightning-fast
• The bombs create a crater on impact and go deep. They can penetrate the ground up to 200 feet, and concrete up to 60 feet. Electronically controlled explosives detonate.
• The nuclear plant is estimated to be 300 feet deep. The other six planes drop bombs one by one.

Tomahawk to destroy Isfahan and Natanz

• US submarines (Virginia/Los Angeles class submarines) are in the sea 400 miles off the coast of Iran.
• Each submarine targeted a nuclear plant. 30 Tomahawk missiles were fired.
• The remaining two GBU-57 bunker-buster bombs fell on Natanz
• The bombers completed the mission at 5 am Indian time and returned to the US. At 5.20 am, Trump released the information via Truth Social.
• This is the first time that the US has used the GBU-57 in an attack.