The President’s Inbox

SPECIAL EPISODE | Answering Your Questions on the U.S. Airstrikes on Iran, With Erin Dumbacher

12 snips
Jun 26, 2025
In a thought-provoking discussion, Erin Dumbacher, a Stanton Nuclear Security Senior Fellow at the Council specializing in international security, sheds light on the recent U.S. airstrikes against Iranian nuclear facilities. She breaks down the strategic implications of the operation and potential Iranian retaliation strategies. The conversation delves into the challenges facing the Iranian military, the geopolitical tensions with China and Russia, and the complexities of U.S.-Iran relations as diplomacy becomes crucial for navigating the aftermath of these strikes.
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INSIGHT

Details of Operation Midnight Hammer

  • Operation Midnight Hammer involved B-2 bombers dropping massive 30,000-pound bunker buster bombs and Navy fired 30 cruise missiles.
  • These weapons targeted deeply buried Iranian nuclear sites to defeat hardened bunker facilities.
INSIGHT

Iran Air Defenses Suppressed

  • Iran's air defenses were likely suppressed by prior Israeli strikes allowing B-2 bombers to operate with low risk.
  • B-2s flew from Missouri with aerial refueling for a 36-hour mission, highlighting operational complexity.
INSIGHT

Low Radiation Risk from Enrichment Sites

  • Targeted sites were uranium enrichment facilities, not nuclear power plants, minimizing radiological risk.
  • IAEA confirmed no off-site radiation release following attacks, differentiating from risks to active reactors.
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