Instant Insight

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• The U.S. is considering using its powerful “bunker buster” bombs to target Iran’s underground nuclear facilities.
• These bombs, specifically the GBU-57 A/B Massive Ordnance Penetrator, are designed to penetrate deep into hardened targets.
• The primary target is Iran’s Fordo facility, buried deep inside a mountain in northwestern Iran.

Quick Brief

2-Minute Digest

Essential Context

The Israeli government has alleged that Iran is close to producing a nuclear weapon, with the enriched uranium believed to be produced and stored at the Fordo facility. This has raised speculation about the U.S. using its “bunker buster” bombs to destroy this facility.

Core Players

• United States – Possesses the GBU-57 A/B Massive Ordnance Penetrator bombs.
• Israel – Conducted recent air strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities.
• Iran – Operates the Fordo nuclear facility.
• B-2 Spirit Stealth Bomber – The only aircraft capable of deploying the GBU-57 A/B bomb.

Key Numbers

• 30,000 pounds – Weight of the GBU-57 A/B Massive Ordnance Penetrator bomb.
• 20 feet – Length of the GBU-57 A/B bomb.
• 200 feet – Depth the bomb can penetrate before detonating.
• 5,000 pounds – Amount of explosives in the bomb.

Full Depth

Complete Coverage

The Catalyst

The recent air strikes by Israel on Iranian nuclear facilities have heightened tensions and raised the possibility of the U.S. intervening with its advanced weaponry. The Fordo facility, due to its deep underground location, is particularly challenging to target.

“You make sure you save them for places like Iran and North Korea because you don’t need something that goes that deep” in normal circumstances, said retired Col. Steve Ganyard.

Inside Forces

The GBU-57 A/B Massive Ordnance Penetrator bomb is specifically designed to penetrate hardened targets, such as those built underground and protected by thick concrete. This bomb has never been used in combat but is seen as a critical asset in targeting deeply buried facilities.

The bomb contains only 5,000 pounds of explosives, designed to detonate once it reaches its subterranean target, minimizing the surface impact but maximizing the damage to the underground facility.

Power Dynamics

The U.S. possesses the only aircraft capable of deploying the GBU-57 A/B bomb, the B-2 Spirit Stealth Bomber. This gives the U.S. a unique capability in targeting hardened underground facilities.

The decision to use such a bomb would be influenced by geopolitical considerations, including the ongoing conflict between Israel and Iran, and the broader implications for regional stability.

Outside Impact

The use of “bunker buster” bombs would have significant broader implications. It could escalate tensions in the Middle East, potentially drawing in other nations. Additionally, it would underscore the U.S.’s commitment to preventing Iran from developing nuclear weapons.

International reactions would vary, with some countries supporting the action as a necessary measure to prevent nuclear proliferation, while others might condemn it as an act of aggression.

Future Forces

The future use of “bunker buster” bombs hinges on several factors, including the progression of the Israel-Iran conflict and the diplomatic efforts to resolve the crisis. The U.S. might also consider other military and diplomatic options to address the situation.

Key areas to watch include the response from Iran, the reactions of other regional players, and the potential for international mediation to de-escalate the conflict.

Data Points

• June 17, 2025: Israel conducts air strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities.
• June 18, 2025: Speculation rises about potential U.S. involvement using “bunker buster” bombs.
• Fordo Facility: Located deep inside a mountain in northwestern Iran.
• B-2 Spirit Stealth Bomber: The only aircraft capable of deploying the GBU-57 A/B bomb.