💣 “Bunker Buster” Countdown Begins: U.S. GBU-57 Could Wipe Out Iran’s Deepest Nuclear Site

Israel and Iran are engaged in a dangerous and ongoing exchange of attacks. Missiles, drones, and military strikes have filled the air as both sides continue to target each other.

Tension Grows Between Two Rivals

One of the biggest concerns is whether another country — the United States — will step in and take action, especially with its powerful B-2 stealth bombers equipped to carry the devastating bunker-buster bomb that could target Iran’s most fortified nuclear sites.

Israel’s main focus is Iran’s nuclear program. Among all the nuclear facilities, one site stands out: the Fodo nuclear complex. This is no ordinary facility. It is one of Iran’s most protected and secretive locations. Fodo is situated south of Tehran, deep within a mountain. It plays a key role in Iran’s ability to enrich uranium — the substance needed to potentially build a nuclear bomb.

Because of its location and importance, Fodo has become a major target for Israel. On a recent Saturday, Iran said that Israel had already tried to strike the Fodo site. Iran claimed only a small amount of damage happened. Israel has yet to clarify whether it was responsible for the attack. Satellite pictures do not clearly show damage, and even the international nuclear monitoring group reported that damage appears to be very limited, if any at all.

Even though no major destruction was visible, Israeli officials continue to stress that destroying Fodo is an important part of their goal. Additionally, there is only one known method for doing that.

A B-2 Bomb Designed for the Impossible

Fodo is not easy to destroy. It sits inside solid rock and deep under the earth, making it impossible to reach with regular bombs or missiles. But there is one weapon that could possibly do the job — the GBU-57.

The GBU-57 is a special type of bomb. Although the “Massive Ordnance Penetrator” is its actual name, many people refer to it as the “bunker buster.” It is designed to attack heavily fortified targets that are deep underground. This bomb works like a giant steel needle. It is dropped from high above and drills down into the ground before exploding.

This weapon is powerful enough to pierce through about 200 feet (around 60 meters) of concrete. That is what makes it different from other bombs — it can break through the kinds of protections built around nuclear sites like Fodo.

However, this bomb cannot be used with any ordinary aircraft. It must be dropped from a special stealth plane — the B-2 bomber. These planes are made to avoid detection by radar and can carry heavy weapons like the GBU-57.

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The B-2 bomber and the GBU-57 bomb are both built and operated by the United States. No other country, including Israel, is known to have this bomb. That means only the US has the tools needed to possibly destroy a site like Fodo.

B-2 Bombers and Silent Movements

Earlier in May, satellites spotted something interesting. Several American B-2 bombers had landed on the island of Diego Garcia. This island is home to a US and British military air base. It is located in a remote part of the Indian Ocean and has been used in past operations in the Middle East.

This movement of B-2 bombers caught attention because these planes are rarely moved unless they are needed. Satellite images from earlier in the year also showed similar movements in March. Then, in images from June 16, the bombers were no longer visible. This caused more questions. Where did they go? Are they being moved to prepare for action?

At the same time, other military equipment has also been shifting in the region. Reports mention the movement of ships, fighter planes, and military supplies. Analysts are watching all of this closely. The focus is on whether the US will become more involved in the conflict between Israel and Iran — especially if Israel asks for help to strike Fodo.

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The importance of the GBU-57 bomb and the B-2 bomber makes this situation unique. Without this bomb, it would be almost impossible to reach Iran’s deeply buried nuclear site. If such a weapon were to be used, it could cause massive damage to Fodo and potentially halt Iran’s uranium work.

The conflict continues to evolve, and many countries are paying close attention. So far, the US has not said clearly what it plans to do. But the movements of its most powerful weapons — especially the GBU-57 — remain at the center of discussions.

This one weapon, capable of drilling into mountains and breaking through concrete, may be the only thing that can change the balance of power in this dangerous standoff.