U.S. bombs Iranian nuclear sites in 'Operation Midnight Hammer'

The United States has bombed key Iranian nuclear sites, escalating tensions in the Middle East.

President Trump confirmed the mission as a success, declaring that Iran's nuclear capabilities have been "obliterated."

Our Kim Jung-sil starts us off.

In an operation codenamed 'Midnight Hammer', the U.S. targeted three nuclear facilities in Iran: Fordo, Natanz, and Isfahan.

Satellite images show significant damage, with craters at Fordo and collapsed buildings at both Isfahan and Natanz.

The operation involved over 125 aircraft, including B-2 bombers, as well as Tomahawk missiles launched from a U.S. submarine.

President Trump confirmed the strikes on Saturday evening at the White House.

"Tonight, I can report to the world that the strikes were a spectacular military success. Iran's key nuclear enrichment facilities have been completely and totally obliterated. Iran, the bully of the Middle East, must now make peace."

While the full extent of the damage is still being assessed, Iranian officials have downplayed the impact, claiming the facilities had been evacuated before the bombs hit.

Although President Trump had last Thursday announced a two-week window to decide on a strike, the operation was carried out just three days later.

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio defended the action, saying it "needed to be done."

"I think the world today is safer and more stable than it was 24 hours ago. And a bunch of these countries putting out statements condemning us. Privately, they all agree with us that this needed to be done."

Rubio echoed Trump's message, saying the door to negotiations remains open, but Iran must choose between peaceful nuclear energy or facing continued military pressure.

He added that pursuing nuclear weapons would put "the regime at risk."

Meanwhile, UN Secretary-General António Guterres warned Sunday that the U.S. strikes could escalate tensions, urging diplomacy to prevent further retaliation.

Kim Jung-sil, Arirang News.