Operation Midnight Hammer: The True Cost of America’s Massive Strike on Iran’s Nuclear Sites

What Was Operation Midnight Hammer?

Did you know that in June 2025, the US launched one of its most daring and expensive military operations in years? Operation Midnight Hammer targeted Iran’s most fortified nuclear facilities—Fordo, Natanz, and Isfahan. In a meticulously planned night raid, seven B-2 Spirit stealth bombers took off from Whiteman Air Force Base in Missouri, flying over 18 hours across the globe. Their mission: to deliver a powerful message and a devastating payload to Iran’s underground nuclear ambitions. The US dropped 14 GBU-57 Massive Ordnance Penetrator (MOP) bunker-buster bombs, each weighing 30,000 pounds, in what officials called the largest B-2 operational strike in history. This marked a dramatic escalation in the Iran–Israel conflict and sent shockwaves through international politics.

The Price Tag: How Much Did the US Spend?

Let’s talk numbers—because this operation wasn’t just about military might, but also about astronomical spending. Each GBU-57 bunker-buster bomb costs around $3.5 million to manufacture. With 14 bombs dropped, that’s nearly $49 million just for the munitions. But that’s only the beginning. The B-2 Spirit bombers themselves are among the most expensive aircraft ever built, with a price tag of about $2.1 billion each. Flying these stealth bombers isn’t cheap either: operational costs run between $130,000 and $150,000 per hour. The mission involved more than 125 US aircraft, including fighters, tankers, surveillance planes, and even a guided missile submarine. Factoring in logistics, fuel, maintenance, and support personnel, estimates for the total cost of the operation soar into the hundreds of millions of dollars—comparable to the price of luxury real estate in Seoul’s Gangnam district. Some Korean commentators joked that each bomb was worth more than a high-end Gangnam apartment.

Why Bunker Busters? The Science and Strategy

So why did the US use these massive bunker-buster bombs? Iran’s nuclear facilities, especially Fordo, are buried deep under mountains and reinforced concrete, making them nearly impossible to destroy with conventional weapons. The GBU-57 MOP is designed to penetrate up to 60 meters (200 feet) of reinforced concrete before detonating. Only the B-2 bomber can carry this behemoth, thanks to its unique stealth and payload capabilities. This operation was the first real-world combat use of the GBU-57, showcasing both American technological prowess and the lengths the US is willing to go to prevent nuclear proliferation. The choice of weapon and platform was as much about sending a political message as it was about military effectiveness.

How Did Iran and the World React?

The global response was immediate and intense. Iran condemned the strikes as an outrageous violation of sovereignty and vowed retaliation, launching missiles at a US base in Qatar the next day. President Trump, meanwhile, declared the mission a complete success, claiming that Iran’s nuclear program had been ‘obliterated’. However, US intelligence later assessed that the strikes set back Iran’s nuclear capability by only a few months, not years. Internationally, reactions were mixed: some allies praised the US for acting decisively, while others warned of dangerous escalation. In Korea, online communities like DC Inside and FM Korea buzzed with debate—some users admired the precision and scale of the operation, while others questioned the cost and long-term impact.

Community Buzz: What Are Koreans Saying?

Korean online forums exploded with reactions as soon as news of the operation broke. On DC Inside, a top comment read, ‘One bomb is worth more than my entire life savings—imagine dropping 14 at once!’ On FM Korea, users debated whether the operation would actually stop Iran’s nuclear ambitions or just delay them. Naver and Daum blogs provided in-depth breakdowns of the costs, with one blogger comparing the price of a single GBU-57 to the average price of a luxury Gangnam apartment. Some commenters expressed awe at the B-2’s stealth capabilities, while others worried about the potential for wider war in the Middle East. There was also skepticism about the effectiveness of the strikes, with some pointing out that Iran had already reinforced its facilities in anticipation of such an attack.

Cultural Insight: Why This Matters to Global Fans

For international readers, understanding the cultural context of this event is key. In Korea, the cost of real estate—especially in Gangnam—is a hot-button issue, so comparing military spending to apartment prices instantly grabs attention. The operation also highlights the ongoing tension between military power and public opinion; while the US showcased its technological edge, polls showed that a majority of Americans, and many Koreans, were wary of deeper involvement in Middle Eastern conflicts. The event became a touchstone for debates about security, diplomacy, and the true price of peace. For fans of military technology and geopolitics, Operation Midnight Hammer is a case study in how modern warfare is as much about economics and perception as it is about firepower.

What’s Next? The Fallout and Ceasefire

After the dust settled, President Trump announced a ceasefire between the US, Israel, and Iran, ending a 12-day flare-up. However, the long-term impact remains uncertain. While the US demonstrated its ability to strike anywhere, anytime, Iran’s nuclear ambitions are unlikely to disappear overnight. The operation may have bought time, but it also raised the stakes for future confrontations. For now, the world watches and waits, knowing that the next chapter in this saga could be just as dramatic—and just as costly.