In the last two days, the Middle East saw a sudden and dangerous spike in conflict. What started as tension between Israel and Iran turned into a major crisis when US President Donald Trump stepped in, and conducted Operation Midnight Hammer to curb Khamenei-led Islamic Republic's nuclear aspirations, targeting 3 key nuclear facilities.
A day after Iran carried out retaliatory strikes on US key airbase in Qatar's capital city - Doha. However, Trump on Tuesday morning declared "ceasefire" between both hostile parties - Israel and Iran.
US strikes Iran
The US carried out major airstrikes on three of Iran’s most important nuclear sites -- Natanz, Fordow, and Isfahan -- marking a major escalation in the region.
The attack involved some of the most advanced weaponry in the American arsenal. B-2 Spirit bombers, commonly known as the Stealth, were used, six of them, to carry and drop massive "bunker buster" bombs on the underground Fordow nuclear site near Qom.
Operation Midnight Hammer
These bombs, officially called GBU-57s, are the most powerful bunker busters the US possesses. The same munitions were also used on the Natanz facility located in Isfahan province.
In addition to the airstrikes, the US Navy launched 30 Tomahawk Land Attack Missiles at Natanz and Isfahan. These long-range cruise missiles were fired from both ships and submarines, increasing the scale and reach of the assault.
The operation was named "Operation Midnight Hammer" by the United States, meant to send a clear message against the nuclear ambitions of Iran's Khamenei-led regime.
'Savage assault'
Iran reacted strongly, calling the attacks a "savage assault" and vowing that it would "never" stop its nuclear program.
The Iranian Revolutionary Guards responded in loaded-words, saying that they would not be moved by threats from Trump or "criminal gangs ruling the White House and Tel Aviv."
'US will change history': Netanyahu
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, however, praised the operation. In a public video message, he said, "Congratulations President Trump. Your bold decision to target Iran's nuclear facilities with the awesome and righteous might of the United States will change history."
The conflict did not stop there. Missiles continued to be exchanged between Iran and Israel, keeping the region on edge.
Iran's response to US
Then, Iran turned its attention to the United States. Late Monday, Iran launched a retaliatory strike on the US airbase at Al Udeid in Qatar, the largest American military base in the Middle East.
Loud explosions were heard across Doha and Lusail, and missiles were seen streaking across the sky. In response, Qatar shut down its airspace as a precautionary measure.
And just when a broader war seemed imminent, President Trump took to his social media platform to make a surprise announcement of peace.
Ceasefire brokered by Trump
"Israel & Iran came to me, almost simultaneously, and said, 'PEACE!' I knew the time was NOW. The World, and the Middle East, are the real WINNERS!" Trump posted on his Truth Social.
He added, "Both Nations will see tremendous LOVE, PEACE, AND PROSPERITY in their futures. They have so much to gain, and yet, so much to lose if they stray from the road of RIGHTEOUSNESS & TRUTH. The future for Israel & Iran is UNLIMITED, & filled with great PROMISE."
Ceasefire violation
Hours after Trump's ceasefire announcement, Israel alleged that Iran has violated the truce and said that Israel "will respond with force." Khamenei-led nation, however, denied Israel's charge of violation of peace.
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