President Trump is still undecided on whether to launch a U.S. strike on Iran’s heavily fortified Fordow nuclear facility, despite pressure from Israel and his national security team. The key question, officials say, is whether America’s bunker-busting bombs would truly destroy the underground site.
Axios with the info.
While U.S. military advisers believe the Massive Ordnance Penetrator could neutralise Fordow, Trump remains cautious — seeking assurance the strike would be effective, necessary, and wouldn’t lead to a prolonged Middle East war.
Israeli officials argue the U.S. is the only power capable of disabling the site from the air. But if America holds back, Israel may consider a commando raid. Officials point to a successful special forces operation in Syria last year as a potential model — planting explosives underground to destroy key facilities.
Meanwhile, diplomatic backchannels remain open. European foreign ministers are expected to meet with Iran’s top negotiator in Geneva, even as Trump maintains ambiguity. “I like to take the decision at the last second,” he said Wednesday.
GBU‑57A/B Massive Ordnance Penetrator (MOP)
the largest non‑nuclear bunker-buster in the U.S. arsenal: 30,000 lb (≈13,600 kg), 20.5 ft long, designed to destroy heavily reinforced subterranean sitesit can drive through roughly 60 m of 5,000 psi concrete or 40 m of rock before detonating
in service since 2011about 20 units built its effectiveness is not guaranteed—targets under extreme fortification or deeper than design specifications may survive, and MOPs are untested in combat
B‑2 Spirit & B‑52 Bomber Platforms
B‑2 Spirit are the only modern aircraft officially certified to carry the MOP (two in its internal bay).
advanced stealth6,000 nm range (with refueling)
This article was written by Eamonn Sheridan at www.forexlive.com.