The overnight operation, dubbed Operation Midnight Hammer, targeted sites in Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan.

“Last night, on President Trump’s orders, U.S. Central Command conducted a precision strike… to destroy or severely degrade Iran’s nuclear program,” Hegseth said at a Pentagon briefing. “It was an incredible and overwhelming success.”

The announcement came just hours after President Donald Trump revealed the mission in a televised Saturday night address. Flanked by Vice President JD Vance, Defense Secretary Hegseth, and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Trump confirmed that Iran’s key enrichment sites were "completely and totally obliterated."

“This mission shows the world the power of American resolve and the precision of our military,” Trump said. “Iran must now make peace, or face consequences far greater and far easier to deliver.”

General Caine provided operational details, highlighting that the mission included the “longest B-2 Spirit bomber mission since 2001” and involved several deception tactics to evade Iranian air defenses. A U.S. submarine in the region launched over two dozen Tomahawk cruise missiles just before stealth bombers entered Iranian airspace.

Caine noted that the attack succeeded in destroying surface infrastructure essential to Iran’s nuclear efforts. “This operation speaks to the strength of our joint and allied forces, and our unmatched global reach,” he said.

The operation was launched without any media leaks or prior warning, a point Trump underscored on Truth Social when he first revealed the strikes. According to Trump, bunker-buster bombs were used to destroy Iran’s deeply buried Fordow facility.

Following the operation, Trump stated that the United States does not seek war but made clear that any threat to American lives or interests will be met with overwhelming force.

“Iran, the bully of the Middle East, has been backed into a corner,” Trump declared. “It’s time for them to come to the table.”