US President Donald Trump confirmed that U.S. forces bombed Iran’s key nuclear sites at Natanz, Fordow, and Isfahan. He wrote on Truth Social, “We have completed our very successful attack on the three Nuclear sites in Iran.” Trump added, “All planes are now outside of Iran air space. A full payload of BOMBS was dropped on the primary site, Fordow.”
Fordow: The Key Target
The main focus was the Fordow. This nuclear site is built deep inside a mountain. It houses Iran’s uranium enrichment facilities. Experts say no Israeli weapons could reach this depth. Trump later posted, “Fordow is gone.”
B-2 Bombers Used in the Strike
Trump didn’t name the aircraft. However, The New York Times and other outlets reported that the U.S. used B-2 stealth bombers. These planes can carry bunker-buster bombs, designed to strike underground targets.
Only U.S. Has These Bombs
Only two bombs in the U.S. arsenal can hit targets like Fordow: the GBU-43/B MOAB and the GBU-57A/B MOP. The MOP can only launch from a B-2 bomber. So, the U.S. likely used GBU-57A/B in this operation.
What is GBU-57A/B MOP?
The GBU-57A/B is a massive bomb. It weighs 30,000 pounds and measures 6 meters. It can pierce through 60 meters of concrete. It was built to destroy underground bunkers, command centers, and nuclear sites.
How These Bombs Work
Daphne Richemond-Barak, an expert in underground warfare, explained: “These bombs have hardened metal tips and are heavy by themselves even without explosives.” She said, “They penetrate soil or concrete… then explode inside the target.” The delayed blast destroys the structure from within.
Why Israel Needed U.S. Help
Israel started Operation Rising Lion last week. The goal was to cripple Iran’s nuclear program. Israel struck military sites and killed key Iranian leaders. But it couldn’t destroy deep nuclear facilities. Prime Minister Netanyahu needed U.S. support to hit Fordow.
Fordow Is Deep Underground
According to IAEA, Fordow lies half a mile underground. Richemond-Barak said it might be 60 to 100 meters deep. This made it unreachable for Israel. Only U.S. bunker busters could do the job.