The US bunker-buster bomb and how it could be used against Iran’s nuclear program

The recent Israeli attack on Iran, aimed at destroying its nuclear program, has sparked speculation about the potential use of one of America’s most powerful weapons to achieve this goal. The Israeli government claims that Iran is on the verge of developing a nuclear weapon, with the enriched uranium necessary for this stored in its Fordo facility, located deep inside a mountain in northwestern Iran.

The weapon in question is the GBU-57 A/B Massive Ordnance Penetrator bomb, also known as the bunker buster. This bomb, which is 20 feet long and weighs 30,000 pounds, is specifically designed to penetrate deep into targets, up to 200 feet, before detonating. It is considered one of the few weapons capable of damaging underground facilities like the one in Iran.

ABC News contributor and retired Col. Steve Ganyard explained that the GBU-57 was created for use against targets in Iran and other countries with similar underground facilities. The bomb contains 5,000 pounds of explosives that detonate upon reaching their target, causing significant damage to the structure without creating a massive blast.

The delivery platform for the GBU-57 is the B-2 Spirit stealth bomber, which is capable of carrying two of these massive bombs. These bombers are currently stationed at Whiteman Air Force Base in Missouri and would take approximately 15 hours to reach Iran if deployed for a mission.

Despite the stealth capabilities of the B-2 bomber, Ganyard noted that this would not be a factor in a potential bunker buster mission in Iran, as Israel has already neutralized a significant portion of Iran’s air defense systems. Iranian officials have denied allegations of working on a nuclear weapon.

President Trump has voiced concerns about Iran’s nuclear ambitions and has supported Israel’s actions against Iranian targets. However, he has not committed to any direct U.S. involvement in the conflict. The Director General of the IAEA, Rafael Mariano Grossi, has cautioned against attacks on nuclear facilities due to the potential risks of nuclear contamination and the broader implications for international peace and security.

In conclusion, the use of the GBU-57 bunker buster bomb in a potential attack on Iran’s nuclear facilities raises significant concerns about the potential consequences and the need for careful consideration before any military action is taken.