A top-secret mission to strike Iran's nuclear facilities was years in the planning. The operation, called "Operation Midnight Hammer, " was the biggest use of B-2 stealth bombers ever. It also marked the first time 30, 000-pound bunker-buster bombs were used in combat. The mission lasted 30 hours and targeted three key sites.

The success of the mission relied on keeping Iran unaware of the impending attack. The U. S. military used decoy bombers sent to Guam to mislead Iran's tracking systems. However, modern technology like smartphones and flight tracking made this deception harder than ever.

The B-2 bomber's unique design played a big role in the mission's success. Its stealth capabilities made it difficult for radar to detect. The bomber's bomb bays could carry large weapons, including the bunker-buster bombs designed specifically for this mission.

Pilots faced challenges during the extended flight time. They had to refuel in midair six to seven times, with each refueling taking about 30 minutes. To stay alert, pilots followed a strict schedule of sleep and diet before and during the flight.

The goal of the strikes was to stop Iran from developing nuclear weapons. President Donald Trump called the operation "very successful" in a post on Truth Social. The mission showcased the importance of long-term planning and advanced military technology in modern warfare.

U. S. Stealth Bombers Strike Iran: A Decade in the Making

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