In recent days, Israel has asserted it has taken full control of Iran’s airspace and significantly hindered the country’s nuclear ambitions through targeted attacks on pivotal sites and individuals. However, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is still actively seeking the involvement of the United States in the conflict. The underlying reason for this push stems from a specific weapon: the “bunker buster.”
Iran’s critical nuclear enrichment facility at Fordow is located up to 100 metres underground, making it virtually invulnerable to conventional air strikes. Experts point out that while Israeli operations may delay Iran’s nuclear programme, they do not fully incapacitate it. According to retired US Air Force Colonel Cedric Leighton, the only weapon capable of neutralising a facility like Fordow is the GBU-57 massive ordnance penetrator, commonly known as a “bunker buster.” This formidable weapon is uniquely transportable by the US Air Force’s B2 bomber, which Israel lacks.
The GBU-57 is a six-metre-long bomb weighing 13.6 tonnes, designed to penetrate fortified underground targets with impeccable precision. As Israeli forces enhance their military presence, the desire for US collaboration becomes more pronounced, as Israel cannot deploy the necessary technology independently.
In light of the escalating tensions, President Donald Trump faces a critical decision, with a two-week timeline imposed to determine whether the US will join Israel in its aerial operations against Iran.