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https://www.wsj.com/politics/national-security/the-u-s-strike-on-iran-began-with-a-ruse-c7188cd2

U.S. Strike on Iran Began With a Ruse

A feint to the west drew attention, while stealth bombers and submarines maneuvered for the attack

By

Shelby Holliday

and

Lara Seligman

Updated June 22, 2025 10:07 am ET

Checkbox — Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Dan Caine revealed the details of Operation Midnight Hammer, saying it ‘devastated the Iranian nuclear program.’ Photo: Alex Brandon/AP

Saturday morning, flight trackers picked up a host of stealthy U.S. B-2 bombers that took off from their Air Force base in Missouri and headed west over the Pacific. It was a ruse.

Meanwhile, a group of B-2s quietly made their way east, going on to attack Iran’s most important nuclear sites, defense officials said. They hit well-defended facilities where giant U.S. bunker busters were thought to have the greatest chance of success. President Trump said U.S. submarines firing cruise missiles joined in the attack, striking other key nuclear facilities.

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U.S. Strike on Iran Began With a Ruse

A feint to the west drew attention, while stealth bombers and submarines maneuvered for the attack

What to Read Next

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Trump Calls for Iran to ‘Surrender’ as He Weighs Military Action

How the Houthis Rattled the U.S. Navy—and Transformed Maritime War

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