India Denies Involvement in U.S. Strikes on Iran: PIB Calls Viral Claims "Fake"

Operation Midnight Hammer and the Social Media Storm

In the early hours of June 22, 2025, the United States launched a bold and highly coordinated military operation codenamed Operation Midnight Hammer, targeting Iran’s nuclear facilities at Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan. The mission involved cutting-edge B-2 stealth bombers and submarine-launched Tomahawk cruise missiles. Soon after the strikes, speculation swirled across social media platforms claiming that Indian airspace had been used as a transit route for the U.S. aircraft.

A B-2 Spirit stealth bomber at Whiteman Air Force Base, Missouri. US Air Force/Reuters | Firstpost

This claim quickly gained traction, prompting public debate and concern regarding India’s possible role in the escalating tensions between the U.S. and Iran. However, India's Press Information Bureau (PIB) swiftly responded to quash the rumors. In an official statement shared on their social media handles, the PIB labeled the reports as "FAKE" and confirmed that Indian airspace had not been used in any capacity during the American operation.

Clarification from Indian Authorities

India's rebuttal came through its official fact-checking body, which emphasized that the viral claim was baseless and misleading. The government made it unequivocally clear that it had neither granted permission for nor facilitated the U.S. military operation in any form. By issuing a public clarification, the Indian government sought to reinforce its commitment to neutrality and to disassociate itself from any regional military confrontations.

This public statement was critical in maintaining India’s diplomatic balance, especially amid a volatile geopolitical climate in the Middle East. The denial also reassured domestic audiences and neighboring countries that India remains uninvolved in foreign military ventures, particularly those involving nuclear sites and high-risk retaliation.

U.S. Military Operation: Strategy and Execution

According to details released by the Pentagon and confirmed by multiple defense analysts, the U.S. operation was one of the most complex and far-reaching air missions in recent military history. The B-2 stealth bombers, launched from Whiteman Air Force Base in Missouri, followed a long-haul flight path that steered clear of South Asian airspace. Instead, the aircraft traversed the Atlantic, the Mediterranean, and parts of the Middle East.

The operation also included decoy maneuvers. Several B-2s flew westward over the Pacific Ocean to confuse Iranian radar and intelligence networks. This strategic deception played a key role in maintaining the element of surprise, allowing the bombers targeting Iran to remain undetected. At approximately 6:40 PM EST, the first wave of bombs struck the Fordow enrichment facility, followed by targeted strikes at Natanz and missile salvos at Isfahan. In total, 14 Massive Ordnance Penetrator bombs were dropped, alongside dozens of Tomahawk missiles.

Official Assessment and Damage Review

Pentagon officials, including Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth and General Dan Caine, hailed the mission as a tactical success. They reported that all aircraft returned safely to their bases, and the level of coordination was described as “flawless.” The operation marked the first combat use of the GBU-57, one of the most powerful bunker-busting bombs in the U.S. arsenal.

However, while the mission appeared successful from a tactical standpoint, defense analysts noted that the full extent of the damage remains under assessment. Satellite images revealed significant structural destruction, especially at Fordow, but it is still unclear whether the deeper underground centrifuge halls were completely neutralized. No radiation leaks were reported, and there were no immediate civilian casualties, according to initial post-strike evaluations.

Iran’s Response and Rising Tensions

Iran, on the other hand, condemned the strikes and launched its own retaliatory operation titled Tidings of Victory. This involved missile attacks on U.S. bases in Qatar and Iraq. Although most of the missiles were intercepted by American and allied air defense systems, the move signaled that Iran is unlikely to let the strikes go unanswered diplomatically or militarily.

The Iranian government has also refrained from disclosing the full scope of the damage to its nuclear infrastructure, possibly to preserve strategic ambiguity or to control domestic sentiment. The international community now watches with concern, anticipating a possible cycle of escalation.

India's Diplomatic Posture

In light of the escalating conflict, India has been careful to maintain a stance of non-alignment. The false claims regarding airspace usage, if left unchecked, could have damaged India’s relationships with both Iran and the broader Islamic world. By promptly debunking the viral misinformation, India sent a clear message of neutrality and reaffirmed its respect for international sovereignty.

Moreover, the fact-check served to curb any domestic political fallout or conspiracy-driven narratives that might have emerged. It also helped reinforce the credibility of India's official communication channels in an era increasingly plagued by misinformation.

Conclusion

Operation Midnight Hammer was a landmark event in contemporary U.S. military strategy, aimed at disabling Iran’s nuclear ambitions through precision strikes. However, the operation also spawned a wave of misinformation, including unfounded claims that Indian airspace was part of the route used by U.S. forces.

India’s prompt and transparent response through the PIB helped contain the spread of false narratives and preserved its diplomatic integrity. As tensions in the Middle East continue to escalate, India's clarity and restraint serve as a reminder of the importance of verified information in shaping global perceptions and maintaining peace.

(Sources: Hindustan Times, NDTV, Firstpost)