U.S. Strikes Nuclear Facilities in Iran
Report and photos by Steven Valinski
June 21, 2025 – U.S. forces launched airstrikes on three Iranian nuclear sites—Fordo, Natanz, and Isfahan—escalating tensions in the Middle East. President Trump announced the operation was a “spectacular military success.” Operation “Midnight Hammer” had seven USAF B-2 stealth bombers delivering 14 GBU- 57 MOP “bunker-buster” bombs to the Fordo facility in an effort to cripple Iran’s nuclear program. More than two dozen BGM-109E Tomahawk Cruise Missiles fired from the U.S. Navy’s USS Georgia submarine were used on the other facilities, according to reports.
Iranian officials confirmed the attacks but insist no radioactive materials were present at the sites, which were evacuated prior. Earlier B-2s were seen headed west toward Guam, possibly as a diversion, while other B-2s were sent east on their mission. The strikes, coordinated with Israel, mark a historic U.S. military engagement with Iran, though Trump emphasized no ground troops were involved and all planes returned safely. Tehran has vowed retaliation, raising fears of a broader conflict, while the strikes have sparked division among U.S. policymakers, with some Republicans backing the move and others warning against a prolonged war. The international community awaits Iran’s next move as diplomatic efforts falter.
Steven is from Long Island, New York and now resides in sunny Mesa, Arizona. Steven’s love for aviation began when he was a child with a fascination for WWII aircraft. This love of aviation was further fostered by his uncle, a long-time Trans World Airlines (TWA) employee who had a passion for all forms of aviation.
Steven’s interest in photography began when he was 16 years old when he received his first SLR camera, a Minolta XGA. It makes sense that eventually his passion for aviation and photography would merge into a love for aviation photography.
In addition to being the web designer, webmaster and chief editor of Aviation Photography Digest, Steven has been published in numerous magazines worldwide.
Steven has an M.S. from Boston University and uses Nikon photographic equipment.
Steven is a Nikon NPS member.
Steven can be reached at: [email protected]