The Israel-Iran war has intensified global focus on US bunker buster bombs that Israel wants US to use, particularly the GBU-57 Massive Ordnance Penetrator (MOP), which they see as a potential game-changer in targeting Iran’s Fordow nuclear facility.
With escalating threats and President Donald Trump’s recent remarks, these powerful munitions are dominating discussions. This article explores what bunker buster bombs are, their role in the conflict, and why they’re critical to the debate.
What Are US Bunker Buster Bombs?
Bunker buster bombs are specialized munitions designed to destroy deeply buried or fortified targets like underground bunkers or nuclear facilities. The GBU-57 MOP, a 30,000-pound precision-guided bomb, is the most formidable:
- Penetration Power: Capable of burrowing up to 200 feet through earth or reinforced concrete, it carries a 6,000-pound warhead.
- Delivery System: Exclusively deployed by the US Air Force’s B-2 Spirit stealth bomber.
- Purpose: Targets hardened sites, such as those housing weapons of mass destruction.
Smaller bunker busters, like the GBU-28 and BLU-109, are used by both the US and Israel but lack the MOP’s deep-penetration capabilities, making them less effective against Iran’s Fordow Fuel Enrichment Plant.
Why Bunker Busters Are Key in the Israel-Iran War
The Israel-Iran conflict, as of June 2025, centers on Iran’s nuclear ambitions, particularly the Fordow facility, buried 260–300 feet under a mountain near Qom. Here’s why US bunker buster bombs are making headlines:
1. Israel’s Limited Arsenal
Israel relies on GBU-28 and BLU-109 bombs, which can penetrate only about 33 feet. These were used effectively in operations like the 2024 strike on Hezbollah’s Hassan Nasrallah, but they cannot reach Fordow’s depth. Israel lacks both the GBU-57 MOP and B-2 bombers, making US support critical.
2. Fordow’s Nuclear Threat
The Fordow nuclear facility is a cornerstone of Iran’s uranium enrichment program. In 2023, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) reported Iran enriched uranium to 83.7% at Fordow, nearing the 90% threshold for nuclear weapons. Its deep underground location makes it nearly impervious to conventional airstrikes, with experts suggesting only the MOP could inflict significant damage.
3. Trump’s Stance and US Involvement
President Donald Trump has fueled speculation about bunker buster use with recent statements. On June 17, 2025, he demanded a “real end” to Iran’s nuclear program, hinting at military options and “unconditional surrender.” His ambiguous remarks, like “The next week is going to be big,” have intensified discussions about potential B-2/MOP deployment.
Israel has long sought GBU-57 MOPs from the US, a request denied since the Bush era to avoid regional escalation. Trump’s rhetoric suggests a possible policy shift, raising questions about whether the US will move from defensive aid (e.g., intercepting Iranian missiles) to offensive strikes.
4. Geopolitical and Military Risks
Deploying US bunker buster bombs on Fordow could escalate the Israel-Iran war into a direct US-Iran conflict. Key concerns include:
- Radioactive Fallout: Strikes on nuclear sites risk releasing enriched uranium, though past attacks on Iran’s Natanz facility suggest contamination may be localized.
- Effectiveness: Experts like MIT’s Ted Postol argue that even the MOP may require multiple strikes to destroy Fordow due to its depth and reinforcement.
- Legal Issues: The Geneva Conventions limit heavy bombs to “extreme circumstances of self-defense,” and their use near civilian areas is restricted.
5. Media and Public Interest
The GBU-57 MOP has captured attention due to its status as the world’s most powerful non-nuclear bomb. Social media platforms like X highlight its exclusivity to the US and its potential to target Iran’s nuclear sites. Recent Israeli strikes on Natanz and Iran’s retaliatory missile attacks on Israel’s Soroka hospital, have further amplified focus on whether the US will authorize bunker buster use.
Implications of Using Bunker Busters
Using US bunker buster bombs in the Israel-Iran war would have far-reaching consequences:
- Diplomatic Fallout: Iranian officials warn that strikes on Fordow would end nuclear diplomacy, which Trump claims to pursue.
- Military Strategy: Multiple B-2 sorties may be needed, as war planning suggests sequential strikes to maximize penetration.
- Regional Stability: A US offensive could destabilize the Middle East, drawing in allies and adversaries alike.
US bunker buster bombs, especially the GBU-57 MOP, are at the heart of the Israel-Iran war due to their unmatched ability to target Iran’s Fordow nuclear facility. As Donald Trump signals potential military escalation, the debate over these weapons underscores the delicate balance between neutralizing Iran’s nuclear program and avoiding a broader conflict. With global eyes on the B-2 Spirit and MOP, the next moves in this high-stakes conflict will shape the region’s future.
