Fordow Nuclear Facility Devastated: Satellite Images Show Aftermath of U.S. Operation Midnight Hammer

Satellite imagery has unveiled the staggering destruction at Iran’s Fordow nuclear facility following a historic U.S. military operation dubbed Operation Midnight Hammer. The strike, executed with B-2 stealth bombers, targeted Fordow alongside Natanz and Isfahan, leaving all three sites with what military officials describe as ‘extremely severe damage.’

The Fordow facility, an underground nuclear enrichment site near Qom, about 60 miles southwest of Tehran, bore the brunt of the assault. Images reveal obliterated structures, a stark contrast to earlier visuals showing active operations with trucks and vehicles on site. Joint Chiefs Chairman Air Force Gen. Dan Caine emphasized during a Pentagon briefing that assessing the full scope of destruction will take time, but the impact is undeniable.

This operation marks a significant milestone as the largest B-2 operational strike in U.S. history, involving over 125 aircraft, including seven stealth bombers, advanced fighters, refueling tankers, and a guided missile submarine. The mission deployed 75 precision-guided munitions, notably the first-ever operational use of the 30,000-pound GBU 57 Massive Ordnance Penetrator, showcasing cutting-edge military tactics and deception strategies.

Amidst global concerns, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has confirmed no increase in off-site radiation levels post-strike, providing a sliver of relief in an otherwise tense scenario. IAEA Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi has called for an emergency meeting to address the fallout, both literal and diplomatic, of this unprecedented military action.

As the dust settles over Fordow’s mountain stronghold, the world watches closely. This strike isn’t just a blow to infrastructure; it’s a loud statement in the complex chess game of international relations and nuclear proliferation. The road ahead promises more revelations and, undoubtedly, heated debates.