Amid growing tension in the Middle East, the US attacked Iran’s nuclear bases, Fordo, Natanj and Isfahan. These attacks used the GBU-57 Massive Ordnance Penetrator (MOP) bomb, which is known as Bunker Buster. The bomb is one of the world’s most powerful non-nuclear weapons, designed to destroy deep underground bases. Let us understand the characteristics of this bomb, its use, and its effects on Iran’s atomic bases.
What is GBU-57 Massive Ordnance Penetrator?
GBU-57 MOP is a huge and highly powerful bomb, which has been developed by the US with a Boeing company. It is specially designed to destroy the bases that are made in deep bunkers under the ground, such as nuclear facilities or military command centers. This bomb is so powerful that it can penetrate 200 feet of soil or 60 feet concrete.
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Technical features of GBU-57
- Weight: About 13,600 kg (30,000 pounds).
- Length: 20.5 feet (about 6.25 m).
- Satchel charge: It has 5,300 pounds (2,400 kg) explosives.
- Guidance system: GPS-based accurate guidance, which enables it to make a perfect attack on the target.
- Carrier aircraft: Only the B-2 Spirit Stealth Bomber can carry this bomb, because it is very heavy and big. One B-2 can carry two GBU-57 bombs.
- Objective: Destroying deep bunkers, tunnels and reinforced concrete structures.
This bomb is so dangerous that it is also called “mountain breaking bomb”. Its main goal is to destroy the locations that are out of reach of normal bombs or missiles.
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Use of Iran’s atomic hideout and GBU-57
Iran’s nuclear program has long been a matter of concern for Israel and America. The three major nuclear hideouts of Iran, Fordo, Natanj and Isfahan are in the eyes of the world. Of these, Fordo is the most difficult goal, as it is built at a depth of 80 meters under the mountains. Normal bombs cannot destroy such hideouts. This is why America used GBU-57 MOP.
Fordo Atomic Site
- place: 100 km from Iran’s capital Tehran, near Kom city.
- Specialty: This site is built under the mountains, on top of which there are thick rocks and layers of concrete. It was very difficult to destroy it.
- Importance: Fordo contains uranium enrichment, which is necessary to make nuclear weapons.
Natanj and Isfahan
Natanj: It is Iran’s largest uranium enhancement center. Although it is not as deep as Fordo, it is also safe from reinforced structures.
Isfahan: There is a facility to convert uranium into nuclear fuel. This site is also important from a military point of view.
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On June 22, 2025, the US attacked these three locations with GBU-57 MOP bombs through B-2 stealth bombers. Two GBU-57 bombs were dropped on each site, ie a total of six bombs were used. The purpose of these attacks was to weaken Iran’s ability to make nuclear weapons.
Why was the use of GBU-57 necessary?
Iran’s atomic hideouts, especially Fordo, are so deep and strong that normal bombs or missiles cannot destroy them. GBU-57 MOP was chosen because …
- Entry in depth: This bomb can penetrate concrete up to 60 feet or soil up to 200 feet, which is necessary for bases like Fordo.
- Accuracy: Due to GPS guidance, this bomb is absolutely accurately targeted, causing less damage to the surrounding area.
- Destructive power: Its 2,400 kg of explosives can completely destroy deep bunkers.
- B-2 bomber stealth technique: B-2 does not get caught in the radar, which can dodge the air defense system of Iran.
How were the attacks?
The US sent a B-2 Spirit Stealth Bomes from its secret military base located in Diego Garcia, the Indian Ocean. These aircraft covered the distance of Iran in 4-5 hours. Each B-2 carried two GBU-57 bombs, which were dropped at these locations. The process of attack was as follows …
flight: B-2 bombers flew at an altitude of 50,000 feet, so that Iran’s radar and missiles could not catch them.
Attack on target: The bombs were accurately demolished at hideouts through GPS guidance.
Return: After the attack, B-2 returned to Diego Garcia safely.
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US President Donald Trump announced these attacks and said that all the aircraft returned safely. Iran’s nuclear program has suffered heavy damage.
Effect of attacks
Effect on nuclear program
Fordo: Experts believe that GBU-57 damaged the structure of the Fordo, but it can be difficult to completely destroy it. Some centrifuge (uranium enrichment machines) were affected, but the entire facility was not over.
Natanj and Isfahan: These sites are less deeper than Fordo, so they suffered more damage.
Regional tension
These attacks have further instigated the Iran-Israel war. Iran threatened retaliation, including attacks on Israel and American bases through its proxy groups (Hizbullah, Huki). Tension has increased in the Middle East. The possibility of regional war has increased.
Global response: Russia and China have condemned these attacks, while Israel supported it. The United Nations and other countries have appealed to maintain peace in the region.
Can GBU-57 completely destroy Fordo?
Many experts believe that GBU-57 MOP is very powerful, but it can be challenging to completely destroy Fordo. Reason…
- The layer of 80 meters of Fordo and a layer of thick rocks gives it extra protection.
- It is difficult to destroy all the facilities in the same attack. This may require many attacks or nuclear weapons.
- B61–12 Tactical nuclear bomb can be an option, but its use may increase the risk of global nuclear war.