Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Air Force Lt. Gen. Dan Caine, held a press conference from the Pentagon following the U.S. strikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities. The operation, codenamed ‘Operation Midnight Hammer,’ involved advanced military assets including B-2 bombers, Tomahawk land attack cruise missiles, and submarine-launched strikes. Hegseth and Caine provided detailed accounts of the operation, emphasizing the precision and effectiveness of the attacks.
President Trump, in his address to the nation, described the strikes as a ‘spectacular military success’ aimed at ensuring that Iran could not develop nuclear capabilities. He highlighted the operation’s swift and decisive nature, stating it was conducted under the directive of his administration. The strikes were part of a broader effort to counter the nuclear threat posed by Iran, which has long been viewed as a state sponsor of terrorism. Trump also noted that the successful operation reflected the strength of U.S.-led alliances and the ability to act decisively when national interests are at stake.
The military operation followed Israel’s pre-emptive strikes on June 12, which were aimed at degrading Iran’s nuclear infrastructure. Israeli intelligence had indicated that Iran was rapidly advancing its nuclear program, prompting the pre-emptive strikes. The U.S. operation was conducted in coordination with Israel, with both nations sharing intelligence and strategic objectives. However, the U.S. operation was described as being led by American forces, with Israel’s contributions recognized as part of the preparatory work.
The strikes were met with a mix of reactions from U.S. lawmakers. While some, including Republican lawmakers, praised Trump’s decisive action, others criticized the lack of Congressional approval for the operation. The potential for a broader conflict with Iran was highlighted by some lawmakers, who expressed concerns over the risks involved. Meanwhile, international experts noted that Israel’s actions had created a strategic opportunity for renewed nuclear talks, which could be influenced by the U.S. response.
Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has yet to comment on the strikes, but Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi expressed skepticism about the possibility of renewed diplomatic engagement. Araghchi criticized the U.S. and Israel for disrupting diplomatic efforts, suggesting that Iran would not consider returning to the negotiating table in the near future. Iran’s foreign ministry also emphasized its strategic partnership with Russia, with plans for Araghchi to meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow to discuss regional and international issues.
Secretary of Defense Hegseth reiterated the administration’s commitment to pursuing diplomatic solutions, stating that both public and private communication channels were being used to engage Iran. He emphasized the importance of ensuring that Iran understood the U.S. position and the steps it could take to secure peace. The operation underscored the U.S. stance that the military will act decisively to protect national interests, while also highlighting the potential for diplomatic engagement to achieve lasting peace in the Middle East.