The D'Intelligence Brief for 2025-06-22 __ US Strike BDA

US strikes - as of 19:00 PDT 21 June 2025

The D’Intelligence Brief

HIGHLIGHT

• US Response: STRIKES Fordow, Natanz and Isfahan - BDA

• Responses/Reactions

• Current Activity

What we know so far: Israel strikes Iran Nuclear Target Set

INFORMATION CUTOFF 22 June 09:00 PDT

The US enters the conflict in Iran – Part 2, BDA.
Operation MIDNIGHT HAMMER

Recap: During the early AM hours of 22 June, the US struck the Iranian Nuclear Target Set facilities at Fordow, Isfahan and Natanz. The strike package included more than 125 US aircraft, employing over 75 precision-guided munitions (PGM)s. The primary strike force consisted of 7x B-2 Spirit bombers, which flew east. A separate decoy strike package was launched on Friday 20 June, traveling westbound over the Pacific, as tactical decoy and deception package.

The seven B-2s, with a two-person crew, each carried two GBU-57A/B MOPs (Massive Ordnance Penetrator) which weigh 30,000lb each. A total of 12 MOPs were employed against Fordow and two MOPs against Natanz.

In addition, a US submarine, likely the USS Georgia operating in the CENTCOM AOR, employed between 24-30 BGM-109 “Tomahawk” Land-Attack Cruise Missiles/TLAMs against key surface infrastructure targets. (note: 1 press number was two dozen, another 30 – reason for the range TLAM above)

All three Iranian nuclear infrastructure targets were struck between 6:40 PM and 7:05 PM Eastern time, with the tomahawk missiles last. Based on the most recent DOD Press briefing, it is assessed that Fordow, Natanz and Isfahan were all struck, vice just Fordow (primary) and Natanz. However, the MOPs were only used at Fordow and Natanz.

The strike package also included other aircraft conducting a high value air or aerial asset protection mission (HVAAP) of suppression of enemy air defenses (SEAD), utilizing both Joint Direct Attack Munition (JDAMs) and High-Speed Anti- Radiation Missile (HARM) munitions. The strike package utilized Pakistani airspace, in order to avoid any detections that were possible via the Strait of Hormuz infiltration point. As the strike package entered Iranian airspace from the east, the US employed several deception tactics, including decoys as 4th and 5th-gen aircraft pushed out in front, sweeping for enemy fighters and surface-to-air missile threats.

There were no indications that any defensive shots were fired at the strike package on the way in or out. Iran's fighters did not get airborne, and it appears that Iran's surface-to-air missile systems did not see or respond throughout the mission. According to the press briefing, "The US protection package employed high-speed suppression weapons to ensure safe passage of the strike package, with fighter assets employing pre-emptive suppressing fires against any potential Iranian Surface to Air threats.” Translation, SEAD and HVAAP.

The entire strike package exited Iranian airspace and returned to their respective bases.

While it may take weeks or even months to complete the Phase III Combat Assessment of the strikes, initial battle damage assessments indicate that all three sites sustained extremely severe damage.

12 x MOPs on Fordow. (6 B-2, 2 each)
30 TLAMs on Isfahan and Natanz (Submarine force)
2 x MOPs on Natanz (1 B-2, 2 MOPs)

Operation MIDNIGHT HAMMER (EDT time)

· 12:01 AM EDT (June 21): B-2 takes off from Whiteman AFB, Missouri (stealth bomber base)

· Transatlantic flight with in-flight refueling

· 5:00 PM EDT (June 21): Link-up with CENTCOM support + maritime launch

· 6:00 PM EDT (June 21): Enter Iranian airspace

· 6:40–7:00 PM EDT (June 21): Strikes on Fordo, Natanz, and Isfahan (MOP penetrator bombs)

· 7:30 PM EDT (June 21): Immediate withdrawal, B-2s return to Whiteman Air Force Base

The DOD is currently unaware of any shots fired at the strike package on the way in or out. Iran's fighters did not fly, and it appears that Iran's surface-to-air missile systems did not see use throughout the mission.  Following weapons release, the package exited Iranian airspace and began its return home.

The strike package was supported by Strategic Command, Transportation Command, Cyber Command, Space Command, Space Force, and European Command. This was the largest B2 strike in US history and the second longest mission ever flown (longest was a mission after 9/11).

The B-2 aircraft were noted in communications, coming back to CONUS from strikes. (Source: https://x.com/eisnspotter/status/1936711229734535450?s=46)

Sources include: POTUS Speech on 21 June (EDT), Gen. Dan Caine, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, DOD Press Briefing on 22 June 2025, open-source commercial imagery, FlightAware/FlightRadar, Maritime Tracker, CNN, Fox, Reuters, AP and Al Jazeera)

For clarification, based on my previous summaries:

MYTEE11 FLT (4x B-2As)
Whiteman to Andersen AFB, Guam. MYTEE14 diverted into Honolulu.

MYTEE21 FLT (4x B-2As)
Whiteman to Andersen AFB, Guam.

BATT11 FLT (4x B-2As)
Flew eastbound via Atlantic to strike Iran.

BATT21 FLT (3x B-2As)
Flew eastbound via Atlantic to strike Iran.

If the open-source tracking is accurate, this indicates that 15 out of the 19 operational B-2As in the USAF fleet were airborne at the same time. (Note: All information obtained via public Air Traffic Control frequencies).

Reactions:

Iran national TV has now acknowledged the US strikes, but took several hours to do so. The IRGC statement in response to US attacks on Iran’s Nuclear facilities:

1- Washington has now placed itself on the front line of aggression by directly attacking peaceful installations.

2- The locations from which the aircraft involved in this aggression took off have been identified and are under surveillance.

IRGC issued several statements I will start with the latest that is published the following on social media (translated by Google): "Departure location of aircrafts involved in the attack has been identified & is under surveillance. US should expect a response beyond its calculations. Number of US military bases in the region is not a strength, but a vulnerability Operations against Israel will continue."

HOUTHIS: Mohammed Al-Bukhaiti, senior member of the Houthi Political Council, stated that the ceasefire with the United States is no longer valid. He added that a response to the recent U.S. attack on Iran is “only a matter of time.”

IAEA: Iran Nuclear Agency condemned the attacks and the IAEA, and have vowed to continue the nuclear program.

CHINA: China condemns US strikes says violation of UN charter. (China on X.)

UNITED KINGDOM: If Iran attacks US interests it will be considered an attack against NATO. (British PM)

GULF COOPERATION COUNTRIES
SAUDI ARABIA: The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is following with deep concern the developments in the Islamic Republic of Iran, particularly the targeting of Iranian nuclear facilities by the United States of America. Saudi Arabia expressed its “great concern” following US attacks on Iranian nuclear sites, according to a statement by the foreign ministry. The Saudi ministry statement “affirmed its condemnation and denunciation of violating the sovereignty of the Islamic Republic of Iran, expressing the need to exert all efforts to exercise restraint, de-escalate, and avoid escalation.” The kingdom also called on the international community to boost efforts in such “highly sensitive circumstances” to reach a political solution to end the crisis.

BAHRAIN: Bahrain has urged drivers to avoid main roads in the country, while Kuwait has set up shelters. (Reuters). Bahrain announced on Saturday that 70 percent of government employees will work remotely until further notice in light of regional circumstances and current developments, the Bahraini Civil Service Bureau (CSB) announced that a remote working system will be activated across ministries and government agencies, with a 70% work-from-home capacity. This excludes sectors where physical presence is essential or which have specific procedures in place for emergencies, and will be implemented in line with public safety requirements, starting today and until further notice.

UAE: The United Arab Emirates expressed concern following US strikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities, urging calm and dialogue. The UAE ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed its deep concern over the ongoing tension in the region and the targeting of Iranian nuclear facilities, demanding an immediate cessation of the escalation to avoid serious repercussions and the region’s slide into new levels of instability. The ministry stated that diplomacy and dialogue must take precedence in resolving disputes, within comprehensive approaches that achieve stability, prosperity, and justice.

QATAR: Qatar warns of serious repercussions after the US air strikes on nuclear facilities in Iran. A statement by Qatar Ministry of Foreign Affairs has expressed its concern over the deterioration of the situation following the bombing of Iran's nuclear facilities early on Sunday. In a statement, Qatar's foreign ministry warned that "the dangerous escalation currently witnessed in the region will lead to catastrophic repercussions at both regional and international levels." It "hoped that all parties will exercise wisdom and self-restraint and avoid further escalation, which the peoples of the region - burdened by conflicts and their tragic humanitarian toll - cannot endure." The Ministry also affirmed the "State of Qatar's full support for all regional and international efforts aimed at settling disputes and defusing crises through peaceful means to consolidate peace and stability in the region."

OMAN: Omani Foreign Ministry via a spokesperson for the Foreign Ministry expressed deep concern and condemnation regarding the escalation resulting from the direct airstrikes conducted by the United States on sites in the Islamic Republic of Iran and the United Nations Charter, which prohibits the use of force and the violation of the national sovereignty of states, as well as their legitimate right to develop nuclear programs for peaceful purposes under the supervision and oversight of the International Atomic Energy Agency in accordance with international protocols, including the Geneva Conventions, which prohibit targeting nuclear facilities due to the risks of contamination and radiation."

TÜRKIYE: Full statement by Foreign Ministry: As Türkiye, we have consistently drawn attention to the risk of the conflict—triggered by Israeli aggression in the region—spreading and destabilizing the security environment. The attack carried out today (June 22) by the United States on Iran’s nuclear facilities has elevated this risk to the highest level. Türkiye is deeply concerned about the potential consequences of the U.S. strike on the nuclear facilities of the Islamic Republic of Iran. Ongoing developments may escalate this regional conflict to a global level. We do not want to see this disastrous scenario materialize. We call on all relevant parties to act responsibly, to immediately cease attacks on both sides, and to avoid further steps that could lead to additional loss of life and destruction. The only solution to the dispute over Iran’s nuclear program lies in negotiations. We urge the international community to support efforts aimed at finding a diplomatic resolution between the parties. Türkiye stands ready to fulfil its responsibilities and to offer constructive contributions."

IRAQ: Iraq has warned the US attacks on its neighbor Iran’s nuclear facilities threaten peace and stability in the Middle East. “This military escalation constitutes a grave threat to peace and security in the Middle East and poses serious risks to regional stability,” government spokesperson Basim Alawadi said. - "The Iraqi government expresses its deep concern and condemnation of the targeting of nuclear facilities inside Iran.- This military escalation poses a serious threat to security and peace in the Middle East.- Iraq affirms its principled rejection of the use of force in international relations.- Military solutions cannot be a substitute for dialogue.- The continuation of these attacks could lead to a dangerous escalation with consequences that extend beyond any country's borders.- Iraq calls for immediate de-escalation and the opening of urgent diplomatic channels to contain the situation."

PAKISTAN: Pakistan's foreign affairs ministry said that the US strikes "violate all norms of international law," adding that Iran has the legitimate right to defend itself under the United Nations Charter. "Pakistan condemns the US attacks on Iranian nuclear facilities which follow the series of attacks by Israel. We are gravely concerned at the possible further escalation of tensions in the region. We reiterate that these attacks violate all norms of international law and that Iran has the legitimate right to defend itself under the UN Charter,” the post read.

Current Activity:

The UKMTO says heavy GPS jamming in the Strait of Hormuz is now detected. (as of 0700 PDT)

The Iranian parliament approved the closure of Strait of Hormuz, while final decision still to be made by security authorities. This is likely the Supreme Leader or the senior members of IRGC, who were recently given delegated authority to operate. So Strait not closed but legally prepared for the decision. Source: Al Arabiya

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