Trump confirms B-2 bomber strikes on Iran to halt nuclear programme
Synopsis
Trump revealed he expected a 25% stock market crash before ordering B-2 strikes on Iran — yet markets held. With the Strait of Hormuz carrying a fifth of global oil and operations still ongoing, the full strategic and economic fallout remains unsettled.
Key Takeaways
President Trump confirmed US B-2 stealth bombers struck Iran to prevent it from acquiring a nuclear weapon.
Trump said he expected the stock market to fall 25% and oil prices to spike, but was surprised by the limited immediate impact.
He claimed Iran now has no navy, no air force, and no anti-aircraft equipment following the strikes.
Trump said the US received no help from NATO but added it was not needed; operations remain ongoing.
The Strait of Hormuz , carrying roughly one-fifth of global oil supplies , remains a key pressure point with direct implications for importers like India .
President Donald Trump on 2 May confirmed that the United States carried out military strikes against Iran using B-2 stealth bombers, arguing that preventing Tehran from acquiring a nuclear weapon outweighed anticipated risks to financial markets and global oil prices. Speaking at a seniors' event in Florida, Trump said he had braced for severe economic fallout before authorising the operation — but said the decision was non-negotiable.
Trump's Own Economic Warnings, Overridden
In a striking admission, Trump revealed he had warned his own economic advisers of significant market disruption ahead of the strikes.
Point of View
The market resilience Trump is celebrating could evaporate quickly. For India, which imports heavily from the Gulf, this is not a distant conflict.
NationPress
5 Aug 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did the US strike Iran?
President Trump said the US struck Iran to prevent it from acquiring a nuclear weapon, arguing the security imperative outweighed anticipated economic disruption including a possible 25% stock market fall and a sharp rise in oil prices.
What weapons did the US use in the Iran strikes?
Trump confirmed the US deployed B-2 stealth bombers in the operation. B-2s are among the most advanced long-range strike aircraft in the US military arsenal, capable of carrying both conventional and nuclear payloads.
How did markets react to the US strikes on Iran?
Trump said markets held up better than he expected. He had anticipated a 25% stock market decline and much higher oil prices, but described the immediate impact as limited, saying he was surprised by the resilience.
What is the Strait of Hormuz and why does it matter?
The Strait of Hormuz is a narrow waterway through which approximately one-fifth of global oil supplies pass. Any disruption there can quickly drive up global crude prices, with direct consequences for oil-importing nations including India.
Did NATO participate in the US strikes on Iran?
Trump said the US received no help from NATO in the operation, though he added that American forces did not need it. Operations were described as ongoing as of his 2 May remarks.
