Image Credentials: Image Title: U.S. and Israeli Officials Confirm Use of B-2 Stealth Bombers and 10-Ton Bombs to Target Iran’s Underground Nuclear Sites Source: (sora.chatgpt) Date: June 2025 Attribution: Created by AI-generated imagery (sora.chatgpt), it does not depict a real-world scene.
By Staff Writer with Agencies
In a joint statement, U.S. and Israeli defense officials revealed that American B-2 stealth bombers and specialized ordnance weighing over 10 tons were deployed in the recent strikes against fortified Iranian nuclear facilities. The announcement comes amid heightened tensions following U.S. airstrikes on key Iranian nuclear sites, including the heavily protected Fordo facility.
According to military sources, the B-2 Spirit bombers—renowned for their stealth capabilities and long-range precision—were selected for the mission due to their unique ability to carry and deliver the Massive Ordnance Penetrator (MOP), a bunker-busting bomb designed to target deeply buried and fortified structures.
The Fordo nuclear site, located less than 100 kilometers south of Tehran and buried deep within a mountain, has long been a focus of international concern. Intelligence assessments suggest that Fordo may be enriching uranium to levels exceeding 60%, raising fears of potential weaponization. Because of its depth and reinforced construction, conventional weapons would likely be ineffective in penetrating its defenses.
“The deployment of B-2 aircraft and the 10-ton bomb was considered the most effective option to neutralize Fordo and similar facilities,” a senior U.S. official said, speaking on condition of anonymity. “These are sites specifically built to withstand standard attacks. The goal was to degrade Iran’s capacity to further enrich uranium at weapons-grade levels.”
Israeli officials echoed the assessment, emphasizing the urgency of disrupting Iran’s nuclear advancement. “Our shared objective with the United States remains the prevention of a nuclear-armed Iran,” said an Israeli defense spokesperson. “Fordo has been a red line due to its strategic depth and the potential threat it poses.”
Iranian authorities confirmed damage to the Fordo, Isfahan, and Natanz nuclear facilities following the airstrikes but vowed that the country’s nuclear program would not be halted. Tehran’s Atomic Energy Organization stated that the attacks amounted to “malicious conspiracies” but insisted that Iran’s scientific and nuclear development would continue undeterred.
The use of B-2 bombers and Massive Ordnance Penetrators in the Middle East marks a significant escalation in military posture, underlining the seriousness with which Washington and Tel Aviv view Iran’s nuclear trajectory. The international community remains on alert as diplomatic efforts to de-escalate the conflict continue.
Staff Writers at Open Chronicle produce in-depth, field-informed reporting on defense, diplomacy, cultural transformation, and global affairs. Known for clarity, accuracy, and analytical depth, they connect breaking developments to broader historical and strategic contexts. In addition to frontline journalism, Staff Writers also contribute to the Open Chronicle Encyclopedia, crafting authoritative entries that preserve critical knowledge and enrich public understanding.