Iran Nuclear Sites Hit?! US Strikes Spark Mideast Tensions – What's Next?
Colaboradores
Tensions in the Middle East have reached a boiling point following reported US strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities. The operation, codenamed "Midnight Hammer," allegedly involved 125 US military aircraft targeting the Fordo, Natanz, and Isfahan sites. According to US officials, the strikes aimed to significantly hinder Iran's nuclear weapons development program.
Details of the Alleged Strikes
General Dan Caine stated that seven B-2 stealth bombers were used to hit the nuclear sites while avoiding detection. Additionally, two dozen cruise missiles were reportedly launched at the Isfahan site from a submarine. The US reportedly deployed GBU-57 Massive Ordnance Penetrators (MOPs) against the Fordo facility, designed to penetrate deep underground bunkers.
US Troops at Risk of Retaliation
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth praised the US strikes as an "incredible success." However, the Pentagon is reportedly concerned about potential retaliation against the 40,000 US troops stationed in the Middle East, as well as other US citizens in the region. These troops are vulnerable to counterattacks involving Iranian ballistic missiles, drones, or terrorism.
Possible Iranian Response
Iran can strike “all of them,” the Defense Department official said. Al-Udeid Air Base in Qatar, which houses approximately 10,000 US troops, is considered a prime target. The threat is real, evidenced by Iran's 2020 missile attack on American troops in Iraq following the killing of Gen. Qasem Soleimani.
Trump's Bold Claims
Former President Trump hailed the alleged attack as a "spectacular" success, claiming that Iran's key nuclear enrichment facilities have been "completely and totally obliterated." He threatened further strikes if Tehran did not agree to US terms. The coming days and weeks will be critical in determining the long-term impact of these events and the future of US-Iran relations.