From Operation Midnight Hammer to Poseidon Archer: Check The List Of Major Military Operations in The Middle East
In recent years, major military operations in the Middle East have intensified, especially involving the US, Israel, and Iran. The most recent, Operation Midnight Hammer (June 2025), saw the US strike key Iranian nuclear sites like Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan using B-2 bombers and bunker-busting bombs. Other notable operations include Operation Rising Lion by Israel, Operation True Promise by Iran, and the joint US-UK Poseidon Archer targeting Houthi militants in Yemen. These missions reflect growing geopolitical tensions and military escalation in the region.
The United States of America recently conducted military operations, Midnight Hammer, on Iran’s three most important nuclear sites: Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan. For a few years, there has been ongoing tension between the two countries of the Middle East: Israel and Iran. To tackle the situation between these two countries, the US has to conduct its largest military operation, Midnight Hammer, in the Middle East since the Iraq War in 2003. In this article, we will dive into the major military operations in the Middle East in recent years.
Source: breakingdefense
List of Major Military Operations in The Middle East
| Operation | Date | Country Involved | Target Area | What Happened |
| Operation Midnight Hammer | June 21, 2025 | USA | Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan | The US has been involved in making major military operations to weaken Iran's nuclear position. In this operation, seven B-2 bombers and 30,000-pound bunkers bomb have been used. |
| Operation Rising Lion | June 13, 2025 | Israel | Iranian nuclear and military sites, especially Natanz | Israel launched a major airstrike campaign aimed at weakening Iran’s nuclear programme. Natanz was among the key sites hit as part of a new military approach. |
| Operation Iron Wall | January 2025 | Israel | Jenin, West Bank | Israeli forces carried out a combined military, police, and intelligence mission. It caused property damage and was seen as a move to strengthen security. |
| Operation Days of Repentance | October 26, 2024 | Israel | Iran | This was a response to an earlier missile attack from Iran. Around 100 aircraft and drones carried out strikes in three phases. named after a religious period of reflection. |
| Operation True Promise | Since April 1, 2024 | Iran | Israeli military and infrastructure sites | Following a strike on its embassy, Iran launched a series of counterattacks using drones and missiles. The Revolutionary Guards have led over 18 attack waves. |
| Operation Poseidon Archer | January 12, 2024 | United States & UK | Houthi militants in Yemen | A joint mission by the US and UK targeted Houthi forces, aiming to reduce their ability to carry out attacks on sea-based trade routes. |
Detailed Overview of Major Military Operations in The Middle East
1. Operation Midnight Hammer
Launched by the U.S. on June 21, 2025, this operation targeted key Iranian nuclear sites—Fordow, Natanz, and Arak—to stall uranium enrichment. It marked a sharp escalation in U.S.-Iran tensions, using precision strikes and cyber warfare tools to delay Iran’s nuclear programme without triggering a full-scale war.
2. Operation Rising Lion
Israel initiated this operation on June 13, 2025, focusing on large-scale airstrikes against Iran’s nuclear and military infrastructure. Key sites like Natanz were hit. The mission aimed to degrade Iran’s strategic capabilities and send a strong message amid rising regional hostilities.
3. Operation Iron Wall
An ongoing defensive shield strategy by Israel, the Iron Wall uses advanced missile defence systems like Iron Dome and David’s Sling to intercept rocket fire from hostile actors. It reflects Israel’s shift toward high-tech defence against increasingly sophisticated missile threats from Hezbollah and Hamas.
4. Operation Days of Repentance
Conducted by Israel in 2024, this operation targeted Hamas militants in Gaza following repeated rocket attacks. It involved ground incursions and air raids and aimed to dismantle militant infrastructure. Though dated, it's often referenced in debates on urban warfare and civilian impact in asymmetric conflicts.
5. Operation True Promise
Launched by Hezbollah in 2024, this cross-border raid into northern Israel captured two Israeli soldiers. It triggered the Lebanon War, leading to weeks of fighting. The operation was intended to pressure Israel into a prisoner swap, but it resulted in widespread regional escalation.
6. Operation Poseidon Archer
This U.S.-UK.-led naval operation, ramped up in 2024, aims to secure Red Sea shipping lanes from Houthi missile and drone threats. Focused on protecting international trade routes, it involves coalition forces using surveillance, naval assets, and precision strikes to neutralise maritime risks near Yemen.
Conclusion: What These Operations Reveal About Middle East Conflicts
From targeted airstrikes to maritime defence missions, these operations reflect the shifting nature of warfare in the Middle East—a region where diplomacy, religion, and geopolitical ambitions collide. As tensions escalate between nations like Israel, Iran, and Yemen, military strategies are becoming more advanced, involving precision weaponry, drone warfare, and multinational coalitions. Each operation, whether launched from land, sea, or air, highlights how fragile peace remains and how strategic decisions shape not only regional security but also global stability.
Prabhat Mishra is a Subject Matter Expert and digital journalist with an extensive background in the competitive exam landscape and over 4 years of experience in education, national and international news, and current affairs. Over his tenure with top knowledge platforms like Mentorship India, IAS BABA, IAS SARTHI, and now Jagran Josh, he has a deep understanding of government exams like UPSC and State PCS, including UP and Bihar, as he has already qualified for the UPPCS 2022 Mains and Bihar 68th Mains. With his core expertise in history, polity, geography & current affairs, he specialises in creating well-researched, aspirant-centric content and simplifying complex topics for competitive examinations.
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