US Strikes: The United States has used its powerful bunker-buster bomb to strike Iran’s deeply buried nuclear sites. After 15 years of development, this bomb was deployed to destroy Iran’s atomic program hidden nearly 200 feet underground. The attack marks a significant escalation, signaling America’s determination to curb Iran’s nuclear ambitions.

US Strikes: America Unleashes Massive Bunker-Buster Bomb on Iran’s Nuclear Site

Last week, on June 21, the United States carried out a powerful strike on Iran’s Fordow nuclear facility. In this attack, the US used its heavyweight 30,000-pound GBU-57 series “bunker-buster” bombs for the first time. These bombs are specially designed to destroy heavily fortified underground sites and deep bunkers.

US Army Chairman Lt. Gen. Dan Kane revealed on Thursday that developing these bombs took 15 years. Back in 2009, when the US first learned about Iran’s Fordow site, it didn’t have any weapon capable of demolishing such deeply buried facilities. This gap in defense capability pushed America to develop these mighty bombs.

The US targeted three of Iran’s nuclear installations using seven B-2 stealth bombers. These advanced aircraft dropped more than a dozen GBU-57 bunker-buster bombs on the Fordow and Natanz sites, aiming to cripple Iran’s nuclear infrastructure.

Operation Midnight Hammer: The Strike in Detail

This mission was code-named Operation Midnight Hammer. During the operation, the US specifically targeted two main ventilation shafts at Fordow. Iran had tried to block these shafts with heavy concrete, but the US military had already planned for this.

The first bomb was dropped to shatter the concrete seal, reopening the shaft. Following this, four more bombs were dropped directly into the main shaft, traveling at a speed of 1,000 feet per second before detonating with immense force inside the facility.

Lt. Gen. Kane highlighted that this operation was the result of 15 years of dedicated work. From pilots to weapons engineers to the load crew, every team played a critical role in making this mission successful.

GBU-57: The World’s Most Powerful Bunker-Buster

Known officially as the Massive Ordnance Penetrator (MOP), the GBU-57 is one of the most formidable weapons ever built. It can pierce up to 60 meters (around 200 feet) deep into rock or concrete before exploding, making it perfect for targeting well-protected bunkers.

Masao Dahlgren from Washington’s Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) explained that this bomb is encased in a thick steel shell, enabling it to drill through solid rock and concrete layers. It also carries a special fuse designed to withstand intense pressure and impact, ensuring it detonates at exactly the right moment inside the target.

Only the B-2 Can Carry This Giant Bomb

Interestingly, the GBU-57 can only be dropped from the B-2 Spirit stealth bomber. This high-tech aircraft can slip past even the toughest enemy defense systems and fly up to 9,600 kilometers non-stop.

On June 21, the US deployed seven B-2 bombers for the Iran strike, making it the largest B-2 attack in American history and the second-longest B-2 mission ever recorded.

According to Gen. Kane, as part of a clever diversion, some B-2 bombers were sent toward the Pacific Ocean to confuse enemy surveillance, while the actual strike planes took a different route to hit their targets. This secret operation was so closely guarded that only a handful of top officials knew the complete plan.

This high-stakes mission not only demonstrated America’s unmatched military capabilities but also sent a strong message to its adversaries about how seriously it takes nuclear threats. By combining years of technological advancement with precise execution, the US made it clear that it is prepared to act decisively to protect global security.

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