US bombs Iranian nuclear sites

The United States launched airstrikes on three key Iranian nuclear facilities early Sunday (local time) in a mission dubbed “Operation Midnight Hammer.”

The targets—Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan—were hit in what President Donald Trump called a “spectacular military success” that “obliterated” Iran’s nuclear capabilities, which has been his goal. US officials are still assessing the full extent of the damage.

Flanked by top officials during a national address, Trump warned Iran against retaliation, stating that further targets could be struck “within minutes” if provoked.

More details of Operation Midnight Hammer emerged yesterday. According to Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, the US military used 14 bunker-buster bombs and seven B-2 bombers. So far, Iran hasn’t reported any contamination, the International Atomic Energy Agency said.

The strike marks a significant escalation in US involvement in the ongoing Israel-Iran conflict.

In response, Iran has vowed severe retaliation and said the strike has broadened its list of legitimate US military targets. Last week, it had threatened to activate sleeper-cell terrorists if the US attacked its nuclear sites.

The operation has also raised concerns among economic experts. They anticipate that the Middle Eastern nation may obstruct oil flows and disrupt shipping routes. Iran could make it difficult for commercial ships navigating the Arabian Peninsula, potentially triggering a domino effect and increasing global shipping prices.

Commercial airlines have already stopped flying over Israel, Jordan and Iraq. Airlines may add more changes to their flight routes.

The Strait of Hormuz, a waterway between the United Arab Emirates and Iran, is also being monitored by experts. Iran’s parliament called for the closing of the strait. It is a vital oil transit chokepoint where 20.3 million barrels pass daily—over a quarter of the global seaborne oil trade.

Blocking the strait could send Brent crude prices soaring past Friday’s $77.01 per barrel. Yet analysts remain skeptical.

The Iranian parliament lacks the authority to enforce a closure; only regime security forces can take action. 

Experts at Eurasia Group deem such a move “unlikely,” warning it could provoke a major US military response and may be seen as a declaration of war.

Experts expect limited harassment of shipping rather than full closure. Vice President JD Vance warned Iran would be “destroying their own economy” by escalating further.

Meanwhile, Trump warned of more attacks and hinted at possible regime change if Iran refuses peace.