On Sunday morning regional time, the U.S. conducted an Air Force-led highly secretive operation (“Operation Midnight Hammer”), involving 125 combat aircraft and submarine-launched cruise missiles, against three nuclear sites in central Iran — the uranium conversion facility at Isfahan, and the two uranium enrichment plants at Natanz and Fordow. U.S. officials admitted the operation included […]| The Soufan Center
In a marked shift from earlier signals of imminent military escalation, U.S. President Donald Trump has announced a period of up to two weeks to allow diplomatic efforts with Iran to proceed before deciding on possible U.S. military involvement. The decision — delivered through a statement read by White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt — […]| The Soufan Center
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi met with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow on Monday. During the meeting, both leaders emphasized the strength of their ties and condemned what they called a “completely unprovoked act of aggression” by Israel and the United States. While Russia has offered Iran moral support, many are left wondering what, […]| The Soufan Center
On Monday, Iran retaliated for the U.S. strike on three key nuclear sites by launching a missile assault on the Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar, which normally hosts nearly 10,000 U.S. and allied forces that enable the U.S. to project power and secure the Gulf region. The base houses the forward headquarters for U.S. […]| The Soufan Center