Trump Defends ‘Operation Midnight Hammer’ Amid Mixed Intel on Iran Nuclear Strike Impact
Former President Donald Trump has forcefully defended the recent U.S. airstrikes on Iran’s nuclear infrastructure, dismissing growing criticism from experts and media outlets that question the operation’s effectiveness.
The high-profile mission—reportedly codenamed “Operation Midnight Hammer”—unleashed a coordinated assault on Iran’s key nuclear facilities at Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan, involving over 100 aircraft and advanced stealth bombers such as the B-2 Spirit.
Initially described by the White House as a “resounding military success,” the operation has since drawn scrutiny amid reports suggesting the targeted sites may not have been fully neutralized.
Dr. Jeffrey Lewis, a nonproliferation specialist with the Middlebury Institute, told The Independent that while Fordow is symbolically significant, it is not the only critical node in Iran’s nuclear network. He noted that Tehran may have had ample warning to secure sensitive materials or shut down operations ahead of the strikes.
Meanwhile, a preliminary intelligence assessment by the Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA), leaked to CNN, indicates that large portions of Iran’s enriched uranium stockpile likely survived the attack. Two sources with knowledge of the classified report suggested that Iran’s nuclear capabilities may require additional military action to fully dismantle.
The Biden administration and Trump-era holdovers swiftly pushed back against these claims. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt blasted the media coverage as inaccurate and accused anonymous intelligence leaks of distorting the mission’s outcome.
“This was not only carefully strategized but also flawlessly executed,” Leavitt stated during a press briefing. “We hit priority targets with precision-guided munitions, and initial feedback confirms our tactical objectives were met.”
Trump himself took to Truth Social, slamming outlets like CNN and The New York Times for what he called “dishonest reporting.”
“Their so-called experts are WRONG,” Trump posted. “This mission was flawless. The brave pilots and operators involved showed the world what U.S. power and resolve look like.”
He added that the strikes sent a “clear signal” to Iran and other adversaries that the U.S. would act decisively to protect global security and prevent nuclear escalation.
Strategic Victory or Symbolic Blow?
As the dust settles, geopolitical analysts are urging caution. While the operation showcased America’s military reach and coordination, critics argue that Iran’s nuclear program—largely decentralized and shrouded in secrecy—may be far from crippled.
Diplomatic observers are now watching closely to see whether the strikes prompt a hardline response from Tehran or open space for renewed negotiations. Either way, Operation Midnight Hammer has reignited global debate over how best to address the Iranian nuclear threat—through firepower, diplomacy, or a mix of both.
Conclusion
Though hailed by Trump and his allies as a bold demonstration of American strength, the true impact of Operation Midnight Hammer remains murky. Conflicting intelligence assessments and ongoing analysis suggest the operation may have delivered a tactical blow rather than a strategic knockout. With Iran’s next move uncertain, the world waits to see whether this strike was a turning point—or just another flashpoint in a decades-long conflict over nuclear proliferation.