B-2 bomber could lead US assault on Iran’s Fordow nuclear site hidden inside a mountain

Fordow facility is believed to be central to Iran's uranium enrichment capabilities

Last updated:
Balaram Menon, Senior Web Editor
2 MIN READ
This handout satellite image provided by Maxar Technologies shows the Fordow Fuel Enrichment Plant in central Iran on June 14, 2025.
This handout satellite image provided by Maxar Technologies shows the Fordow Fuel Enrichment Plant in central Iran on June 14, 2025.
Maxar Technologies/AFP

The United States is reportedly preparing military options for a potential strike on Iran’s most heavily fortified nuclear facility, as tensions escalate in the Middle East.

CBS News, citing US officials, reports that President Donald Trump has approved contingency plans for a strike on the Fordow enrichment site but has not yet authorised action.

Fordow, buried deep within a mountain near the Iranian city of Qom, is considered the most secure part of Iran’s nuclear program.

United Nations inspectors who toured the site have described reinforced tunnels, blast-proof doors, and underground bunkers shielded by more than 100 metres of rock.

The facility is believed to be central to Iran's uranium enrichment capabilities, which Western governments fear could be used to develop nuclear weapons.

If the US chooses to target Fordow, the operation would likely involve the B-2 Spirit stealth bomber, the only aircraft capable of delivering the GBU-57 Massive Ordnance Penetrator (MOP). Weighing over 13,000 kilograms, the MOP is the most powerful non-nuclear bomb in the US arsenal, capable of punching through up to 60 metres of reinforced concrete or rock. Multiple strikes can increase that depth.

Fordow's extreme fortification means few militaries besides the US have the capability to destroy it. Israeli warplanes, for instance, lack both the delivery systems and the payload required for such a strike, increasing the likelihood of direct American involvement if military action is pursued.

A decision to strike would risk widening the already volatile conflict between Israel and Iran and could draw the US into another major confrontation in the region. For now, military planners await a final go-ahead.

Balaram Menon
Balaram MenonSenior Web Editor
Balaram brings more than two decades of experience in the media industry, combining sharp editorial judgment with a deep understanding of digital news dynamics. Since 2004, he has been a core member of the gulfnews.com digital team, playing a key role in shaping its identity. Passionate about current affairs, politics, cricket, entertainment, and viral content, Balaram thrives on stories that spark conversation. His strength lies in adapting to the fast-changing news landscape and curating compelling content that resonates with readers.

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