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4h ago

Israel Intensifies Strikes on Iranian Nuclear Sites as Fordo Remains Untouched

With the US holding its bunker-buster in reserve, Israel must seek other means to breach the mountain-hidden enrichment plant.

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The U.S. is in possession of the world's most powerful non-nuclear bomb. Data: Royal United Services Institute; Graphic: Kavya Beheraj/Axios
This U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) handout photo shows the Massive Ordinance Air Blast (MOAB) weapon at Eglin Air Force Base, Florida on March 11, 2003. The 21,000 pound bomb was dropped from a C-130 Hercules aircraft at the Eglin test range March 11, 2003.

Overview

  • Operation Rising Lion inflicted heavy damage on the Natanz and Isfahan nuclear sites, but Fordo remains unscathed because of its deep burial.
  • The Fordo Fuel Enrichment Plant lies 260–300 feet beneath reinforced rock and is shielded by air-defense batteries.
  • The GBU-57 Massive Ordnance Penetrator, deliverable only by US B-2 Spirit bombers, is the only munition capable of penetrating Fordo’s tunnels.
  • President Trump has not confirmed deployment of the bunker-buster, keeping US involvement in Israel’s strikes uncertain.
  • Military experts warn multiple GBU-57 strikes would be needed to collapse Fordo’s defenses, prompting Israel to explore alternative tactics.