U.S. Conducts Large-Scale Iran Nuclear Facility Strikes Using Decoy Flights

U.S. military officials revealed that the recent airstrikes on Iran's nuclear facilities, named Operation Midnight Hammer, involved an elaborate deception strategy using decoy bomber aircraft sent west over the Pacific to distract Iranian defenses. The actual strike force, comprising seven B-2 stealth bombers launched from the continental U.S., flew undetected eastward, dropping fourteen 30,000-pound bunker buster bombs on Iran's primary nuclear sites at Fordow, Natanz, and Esfahan. Over 125 U.S. aircraft participated, including bombers, fighters, refueling tankers, and submarines firing Tomahawk missiles, making it one of the most comprehensive B-2 missions in history. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs Dan Caine stated the strikes severely damaged Iran's nuclear ambitions without targeting Iranian troops or civilians. President Trump praised the operation as a spectacular military success, confirming the destruction of the Fordow nuclear plant and emphasizing that all aircraft returned safely. The operation marked the longest B-2 mission since post-9/11 and showcased advanced tactical deception to maintain surprise and mission success.