Operation Midnight Hammer targeted several of Iran's key nuclear sites aiming to neutralize Tehran's nuclear weapon capabilities, involving seven B-2 stealth bombers and a guided missile submarine. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth described it as a 'resounding success' and a 'historic strike' that destroyed Iran's nuclear program, despite some intelligence reports suggesting parts of the program remained intact but with low confidence in that assessment.

Hegseth criticized the media for leaking a low-confidence Defense Intelligence Agency report that suggested Iran's nuclear program was only partially set back, calling the leak irresponsible and accusing the leakers of trying to 'muddy the waters' and undermine the operation's success. He also condemned the press for exaggerating the report's significance and emphasized the need for accurate media representation of military operations.

The White House launched an investigation into how the classified Defense Intelligence Agency assessment was leaked to the press. Both the Pentagon and the FBI are probing the breach to identify those responsible for leaking sensitive information regarding the airstrikes on Iran.

President Trump and Defense Secretary Hegseth hailed the airstrike as a 'historically successful attack' and emphasized its complexity. Hegseth called it the most intricate military operation in history, highlighting the use of advanced stealth bombers and bunker-busting bombs to achieve the mission's objectives against Iran's nuclear facilities.

Pete Hegseth has had a contentious relationship with the media, marked by limited media access to the Pentagon and restrictions on reporters' movements. This has led to strained relations with the press, especially in the context of his defense of the Iran airstrikes and criticism of intelligence leaks.