We begin with a dramatic and unprecedented military strike in the Middle East—one that may have reshaped the future of global nuclear security. In a bold and highly coordinated operation, the United States has launched a massive air campaign to destroy Iran’s deeply buried nuclear facility at Fordow. President Donald Trump, speaking to Fox News’ Sean Hannity late last night, confirmed that the U.S. deployed bunker-buster bombs and dozens of Tomahawk missiles in a multipronged assault targeting key Iranian nuclear sites.
According to President Trump, the Fordow complex—carved into a mountainside in Iran—was directly hit by six GBU-57 “Massive Ordnance Penetrators,” or MOPs. But today, that number has been revised.
At a Pentagon briefing just hours ago, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Lieutenant General Dan “Razin” Caine, announced that a total of 14 MOPs were ultimately dropped by U.S. B-2 stealth bombers across two major nuclear zones. The strikes, which also involved 30 Tomahawk missiles launched from U.S. submarines, simultaneously hit Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan nuclear sites between 6:40 PM and just after 7 PM Eastern Time. These strikes are being described as a game-changer.
What Are Bunker Busters?
Military analysts explain that MOPs are designed to penetrate through concrete, steel, and deep layers of rock before detonating underground. These bombs weigh a staggering 30,000 pounds and are the only munitions capable of reaching such deeply embedded structures.
Defense analyst Martin Ruhe noted that Fordow may be buried up to 800 meters underground—requiring what’s called a “burrowing” technique. Multiple MOPs were dropped in quick succession to break through and compromise the facility. According to Ruhe, only the U.S. Air Force has the capability to execute such a mission.
A Job Only America Can Do?
Despite Israel’s recent successes in neutralizing parts of Iran’s nuclear infrastructure at Natanz and Isfahan, experts agree that taking out Fordow from the air was a task only the United States could realistically undertake. While Israel does possess 2,000- and 5,000-pound bunker busters, they lack the massive penetrating power of the GBU-57.
There had been speculation about whether Israel could eventually lead such a strike on its own. But Pentagon officials and military scholars say the U.S. remains the only force with the necessary stealth delivery systems and strategic munitions for such deeply fortified targets.
What’s Next?
It remains unclear if the strikes have completely obliterated Fordow. However, experts suggest that even partial damage—such as disrupting power supplies or contaminating air for centrifuge operations—could severely hinder Iran’s nuclear ambitions.
President Trump has not ruled out further military action. But he has given a two-week window for diplomatic negotiations, signaling this could either be a decisive turning point—or just the beginning.
Meanwhile, global reactions are pouring in. Iran has yet to officially comment on the extent of the damage. The International Atomic Energy Agency has called for restraint, while regional tensions continue to escalate.
Stay tuned to SNEWS TV as we bring you the latest updates from Washington, Tehran, and Tel Aviv.
Reporting by Katy Moore.
