NYT: US used diversionary maneuver involving B-2 bombers

The B-2 stealth bombers that struck Iran’s nuclear facilities in Operation Midnight Hammer undertook a secret mission, 7,000-mile journey from Missouri, refueled multiple times midair, to deliver precision strikes deep inside Iranian territory.

Pentagon officials provided new details of the operation, which involved extensive planning, deception, and coordination across US military assets, Caliber.Az quotes the New York Times. 

The mission began early on June 21 when a formation of B-2s lifted off from Whiteman Air Force Base in Missouri. In a diversionary maneuver, one or more bombers flew west over the Pacific, while seven bombers proceeded east toward Iran, refueled by dozens of aerial tankers over the Atlantic.

After nearly 18 hours in the air, the bombers entered the Middle East’s airspace under US Central Command, where they joined up with fighter aircraft that escorted them toward their targets.

Meanwhile, a US Navy submarine operating in the region launched more than a dozen Tomahawk cruise missiles at Iran’s nuclear site in Isfahan in coordination with the airstrike.

Within a half-hour window early on June 22, US forces hit Iran’s nuclear facilities at Fordo, Natanz, and Isfahan using 75 precision-guided munitions — including 14 GBU-57 Massive Ordnance Penetrator bombs, designed to destroy hardened underground targets. The strikes marked the first known combat use of the weapon.

Shortly after the bombers exited Iranian airspace, President Trump announced the successful operation. In a televised address later that night, he declared the targets had been “totally obliterated.” The White House released images of Trump and national security officials monitoring the strike from the Situation Room.

Pentagon leaders said on June 22 that while initial reports indicated the operation achieved its goals, final battle damage assessments were still underway.

By Sabina Mammadli