Operation Midnight Hammer

The article analyzes the U.S. air campaign in Operation Epic Fury against Iran, which began on Feb. 28, targeting military and dual-use facilities. It examines the strategic effectiveness of airpower using principles from Air Force Doctrine Publication 3-02 and highlights the complexity of multi-domain conflicts involving naval fires, sanctions, and diplomacy.

The Pentagon faces declining stockpiles of Patriot and THAAD missile interceptors due to prolonged conflict in the Middle East, prompting concerns about global defense capabilities. A $67 billion emergency funding request includes $18.2 billion for advanced missile replacements, while the Pentagon shifts toward procuring low-cost munitions to address production challenges.

Joe Kent, former National Counterterrorism Center Director, warned that U.S. military assets near Iran risk drawing the U.S. back into war on Iran's terms. He cited recent Iranian missile and drone attacks, advocating withdrawal to enable distant strikes and prevent Iran from escalating.

Former counterterrorism chief Joe Kent warns that U.S. military presence near Iran risks being forced into war on Iran's terms. He advocates withdrawing forces to avoid this, citing recent Iranian attacks intercepted by U.S. and Kuwaiti forces. Kent resigned in March opposing the Iran war and highlights operations proving U.S. can strike Iran without regional bases.

Former White House deputy chief of staff Taylor Budowich advised business leaders to 'just tell him the truth' when engaging with President Trump, based on his experience in Trump's inner circle. Budowich, who oversaw communications during key initiatives like Operation Midnight Hammer and DOGE-related cuts, now leads the crisis communications firm Sovereign Advisors.

President Donald Trump criticized CNN and other media outlets for not crediting U.S. troops involved in a military operation against Iran's nuclear sites. Experts, including former defense officials, highlighted the complexity and risks of retrieving highly enriched uranium from Iran, noting it would require significant U.S. military resources and face substantial challenges.

White House Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller confirmed President Trump's direct involvement in Iran negotiations, emphasizing U.S. leverage through a naval blockade and economic pressure. He stated Trump seeks peace but warned of military action to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons, citing past operations like 'Operation Midnight Hammer' and 'Operation Epic Fury' as examples of Trump's resolve.