Did US use Indian airspace for Iran strike? Centre clarifies
What's the story
The Government of India's Press Information Bureau (PIB) has debunked rumors that the United States used Indian airspace for its Operation Midnight Hammer against Iran's nuclear sites. The PIB's Fact Check unit called the claim "FAKE" and confirmed that "Indian Airspace was NOT used by the United States during Operation Midnight Hammer." The US operation targeted three Iranian nuclear sites: Fordo, Natanz, and Isfahan.
Twitter Post
PIB's post on X
Several social media accounts have claimed that Indian Airspace was used by the United States to launch aircrafts against Iran during Operation #MidnightHammer #PIBFactCheck
— PIB Fact Check (@PIBFactCheck) June 22, 2025
❌ This claim is FAKE
❌Indian Airspace was NOT used by the United States during Operation… pic.twitter.com/x28NSkUzEh
Official clarification
What General Dan Caine said
The PIB's Fact Check unit referred to a press briefing by General Dan Caine, the US Joint Chiefs of Staff Chair. In his briefing, General Caine confirmed that no US aircraft entered Indian airspace during Operation Midnight Hammer. He said the operation was aimed at "severely degrading Iran's nuclear weapons infrastructure" and detailed the routes taken by US aircraft without entering Indian territory.
Operation details
About Operation Midnight Hammer
The operation was executed by US Central Command under General Erik Kurilla. It involved seven B-2 Spirit bombers, each with two crew members. The US military used deception tactics, including decoys, to maintain tactical surprise during the operation. After the strikes, US President Donald Trump warned of further retaliation if peace was not achieved. He called the strikes "massive precision" attacks on Iranian nuclear sites.
Iran's reaction
Iran condemned the attacks
Iran condemned the attacks, calling them a violation of international law. Iran's Atomic Energy Organisation of Iran (AEOI) termed the strikes "savage aggression" and vowed to continue its nuclear program despite the attack. Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei also warned that the "Zionist enemy has made a big mistake," while Iran's President Masoud Pezeshkian vowed that the United States will "receive a response" after its unprecedented airstrikes on Iranian nuclear facilities.