US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth revealed on Sunday that the overnight military operation targeting Iran’s nuclear facilities was the result of “months and weeks of planning,” executed with precision under the direct orders of President Donald Trump.
In a high-stakes press briefing, Hegseth called the strike “an overwhelming success,” stating that the coordinated assault on three of Iran’s most vital nuclear sites—Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan—had significantly damaged or destroyed Tehran’s ability to pursue nuclear weapons.
#WATCH | US Secretary of Defence Pete Hegseth says “Last night, on President Trump’s orders, US Central Command conducted a precision strike in the middle of the night against three nuclear facilities in Iran, Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan, in order to destroy or severely degrade… pic.twitter.com/TRsA6mdNgU
— ANI (@ANI) June 22, 2025
The strikes were conducted by U.S. Central Command in the dead of night and were designed to dismantle Iran’s nuclear infrastructure while deliberately avoiding harm to civilians or military personnel. “Last night, on President Trump’s orders, we conducted a precision strike aimed squarely at the heart of Iran’s nuclear ambitions,” he said.
Hegseth emphasized the months-long coordination and secrecy that led to the successful assault on Iran’s key nuclear facilities in Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan. “This is a plan that took months and weeks of positioning and preparation so that we could be ready when the POTUS called,” Hegseth said. “It involved misdirection, operational deception, and the highest level of security.”
#WATCH | US Secretary of Defence Pete Hegseth says “I want to give recognition to our allies in Israel as well. This is a plan that took months and weeks of positioning and preparation so that we could be ready when the POTUS called. It took a great deal of precision. It involved… pic.twitter.com/bcSlVpsS7O
— ANI (@ANI) June 22, 2025
Hegseth highlighted the historic nature of the mission, confirming that it marked the longest B-2 Spirit bomber mission since 2001 and the first operational use of the Massive Ordnance Penetrator (MOP)—a 30,000-pound bunker-busting bomb designed to destroy heavily fortified underground targets.
The Defense Secretary said the strike showcased “the level of joint and allied integration that speaks to the strength of our alliance,” underscoring the coordination with U.S. allies—particularly Israel. “I want to give recognition to our allies in Israel as well,” he said. “This mission could not have been accomplished without our shared intelligence, logistical coordination, and regional awareness.”
While stressing that the U.S. does not seek a war, Hegseth issued a stern warning to Iran and other adversaries: “Let me be clear. We will act swiftly and decisively when our people, our partners, or our interests are threatened.” He reiterated President Trump’s position that the door remains open for peace and negotiations, but only for a limited window.
.@SecDef: “As President Trump has stated, the United States does not seek war, but let me be clear: we will act swiftly and decisively when our people, our partners, or our interests are threatened.” pic.twitter.com/lDyKYpCaYV
— Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) June 22, 2025
Echoing Trump’s long-held stance, Hegseth emphasized the president’s determination to prevent Iran from ever obtaining a nuclear weapon. “For over 10 years, President Trump has said it clearly: Iran must not get a nuclear weapon—full stop,” Hegseth stated.
#WATCH | US Secretary of Defence, Pete Hegseth says “For the entirety of his time in office, President Trump has consistently stated for over 10 years that Iran must not get a nuclear weapon, full stop. Thanks to President Trump’s bold and visionary leadership and his commitment… pic.twitter.com/hqhCcYCf8y
— ANI (@ANI) June 22, 2025
Hegseth praised the performance of American forces, calling every participant in the mission a “warrior” who executed their role flawlessly. He also thanked Israel for its support, highlighting the strength of U.S.-Israeli military cooperation.
The targeted facilities—Fordow, a fortified mountain complex; Natanz, Iran’s primary uranium enrichment center; and Isfahan, a key uranium conversion site—are considered the backbone of Iran’s nuclear program.
Earlier, President Trump publicly acknowledged the strike, confirming the attack on Iran’s most sensitive nuclear sites and warning of further action if Iran does not pursue peace. “There will either be peace or tragedy for Iran,” he said.
