In a dramatic show of military force, the United States deployed six GBU-57 Massive Ordnance Penetrators (MOPs) on Iran’s Fordow nuclear facility in a recent airstrike, according to a Reuters report. The operation was carried out using B-2 Spirit stealth bombers, long-range aircraft capable of carrying two of the 30,000-pound bunker-buster munitions, specifically designed to target deeply fortified underground installations.
The confirmation of the strike came after President Donald Trump announced the operation on his social media platform, Truth Social. American TV host Sean Hannity also claimed on his Saturday night broadcast that Trump personally shared details of the mission with him.
About GBU-57
The GBU-57, among the most powerful non-nuclear weapons in the US arsenal, is capable of penetrating up to 200 feet of soil or 60 feet of reinforced concrete. Its deployment marks a major escalation in the ongoing military campaign aimed at crippling Iran’s nuclear capabilities.
The Fordow site, carved deep into a mountain near the holy city of Qom, is one of the most heavily protected and secretive components of Iran’s nuclear program. Its fortification has long posed a challenge to any potential military strike. The US assessment is that these strikes, combined with prior Israeli assaults on Iranian air defences, now represent the most serious blow yet to Tehran’s nuclear infrastructure.
Tomahawk Missiles Used For Targeting Nuclear Sites
In addition to the Fordow assault, the US Navy reportedly launched 30 Tomahawk cruise missiles from submarines stationed in the region. These targeted additional nuclear-related facilities in Natanz and Isfahan, two other critical sites in Iran’s uranium enrichment network.
The use of the B-2 stealth bombers shows the complexity and precision of the operation. Designed for penetrating advanced air defences, the aircraft were essential for delivering the MOPs with minimal detection risk. According to The National Interest, while the B-2 typically carries two MOPs per mission due to their massive weight, it can be outfitted for various payload configurations depending on strategic needs.
This multi-pronged strike represents one of the most significant direct US military actions against Iran’s nuclear infrastructure to date, with far-reaching geopolitical ramifications. As global powers monitor Tehran’s response, the situation remains tense, with the possibility of further escalation looming.
