US Weighs Entering War Between Israel and Iran

Strategic Insights -

As President Trump considers entering the war between Israel and Iran, a 30,000-pound bunker buster bomb thought to be capable of reaching Iran's most well-protected nuclear facility has emerged as a key component in the US decision-making process. The GBU-57, one of the largest bombs the US has, is encased in steel to drill down through rock or concrete and explode, making it a potent weapon in the fight against Iran's nuclear program.

Key Takeaways:

  • The GBU-57 is a 30,000-pound bunker buster bomb developed with Iran's nuclear program in mind, specifically targeting the Fordo facility, which is buried deep inside a mountain.
  • The bomb is one of the largest and most advanced in the US arsenal, with a length of 20 feet and a unique steel casing that allows it to drill down through rock or concrete and explode.
  • Only the US has the B-2 stealth bomber, which is the only aircraft capable of carrying the GBU-57, making it difficult for Israel to use the bomb without extensive training and reconfiguration.
  • The real question is whether taking out Fordo and other facilities would stop Iran's nuclear program or simply put it on hold for a while, as most experts agree that the bombs would likely cause serious damage but might not be enough to put a hard stop to the program.
  • Aaron David Miller of the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace points out that bombing scientific knowledge out of the head of a scientific community is not possible, leaving Iran with the nuclear know-how to reconstitute its program further down the line.
  • The bomb's potential impact on civilian casualties is a significant concern, particularly if a powerful strike hits the enriched uranium at Fordo, releasing radioactive material into the area.

Statistics:

  • The GBU-57 bomb weighs 30,000 pounds and is 20 feet long.
  • The Fordo nuclear facility is buried deep inside a mountain.
  • The US has provided Israel with bombs before, but the GBU-57 is too large and complex for Israel to use without extensive training and reconfiguration.
  • The B-2 stealth bomber is the only aircraft capable of carrying the GBU-57.

Sources:

  • NPR
  • White House spokesperson Karoline Leavitt
  • Aaron David Miller of the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace
  • Published in the NPR broadcast with Mary Louise Kelly.