The Hindu: Published on 25th June 2025:
Why in News?
The United States, under President Donald Trump, conducted a high-profile military strike on June 21, 2025, targeting three major Iranian nuclear facilities — Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan. This marks the first known operational use of the GBU-57 Massive Ordnance Penetrator (MOP) by B-2 Spirit stealth bombers, in what was described as Operation Midnight Hammer.
Background:
Iran’s Nuclear Infrastructure: Sites like Fordow are fortified underground to resist airstrikes, originally intended to deter Israeli attacks. Fordow lies deep under a mountain near Qom and was publicly acknowledged by Iran only in 2009.
Israel-Iran Conflict Escalation: Tensions escalated from June 13, when Israel began bombing Iranian nuclear sites, prompting U.S. involvement for strategic and allied defense reasons.
U.S. Concerns: U.S. intelligence had assessed Iran’s nuclear program as a growing threat to global security and regional stability, prompting a preemptive strike.
How the Strike Was Carried Out:
Aircraft Used: Seven B-2 Spirit bombers flew a 37-hour non-stop mission using air-to-air refueling, dropping 14 GBU-57 MOPs.
Deception Tactics: Decoy aircraft were deployed over the Pacific to mislead radar surveillance.
Cruise Missiles: A U.S. submarine launched over two dozen Tomahawk missiles targeting Isfahan’s nuclear infrastructure.
Damage Assessment: Initial reports claimed “extremely severe destruction”, although later assessments suggested that Fordow may not have been fully neutralized.
Why Were ‘Bunker-Busters’ Used?
Iran’s Fordow facility is buried 80–90 meters deep under rock and reinforced concrete, beyond the reach of conventional bombs.
The GBU-57 MOP is the only bomb capable of penetrating up to 200 feet underground or through hardened concrete up to 10,000 psi strength.
Only B-2 bombers can carry the MOP due to its massive 30,000 lb weight and length of over 20 feet.
What is the B-2 Spirit Bomber?
Stealth Technology: Features reduced radar, infrared, and acoustic signatures.
High Cost: At over $2 billion per unit, only 21 were built; 19 remain active.
Long Missions: Holds the record for the longest air combat mission; this operation ranks second (37 hours).
Maintenance Intensive: Requires 100 hours of maintenance for every 1 hour of flight, due to delicate stealth coatings and systems.
Future Developments: B-21 Raider:
The B-21 Raider, under development by Northrop Grumman, is a next-generation stealth bomber and successor to the B-2.
Expected to be more cost-efficient at ~$550 million per unit.
Designed with open systems architecture for rapid tech upgrades.
Over 100 aircraft are planned for induction into the U.S. Air Force.
Strategic and Geopolitical Significance:
The strike sends a strong message about U.S. capability and commitment to counter Iran’s nuclear ambitions.
However, the mission stops short of regime change — it is focused on neutralizing nuclear threats and ensuring collective self-defense for U.S. and allies (particularly Israel).
Concerns remain about:
The extent of actual damage to Iranian sites.
The unknown status of enriched uranium stockpiles.
Possible retaliation or escalation from Iran.
Unanswered Questions:
Was the Fordow site completely disabled, or only partially?
What other weapons or support systems (like satellites or drones) were involved but not publicly disclosed?
What are the long-term implications for Iran’s nuclear policy and global nuclear diplomacy?
