5 hours ago
Last Updated:June 22, 2025, 08:22 IST
The US reportedly used six GBU-57A/B Massive Ordnance Penetrator (MOP) bombs and 30 Tomahawk missiles to attack Iran's nuclear facilities.
The GBU-57 "bunker-buster" bomb is capable of striking targets buried underground. (Photo: X)
In an unprecedented move, the United States launched airstrikes targeting three key Iranian nuclear facilities, which US President Donald Trump called a “spectacular military success", amid the ongoing conflict between Israel and Iran. FOLLOW LIVE UPDATES
The US used six GBU-57A/B Massive Ordnance Penetrator (MOP) bombs, known as a “bunker buster," in its strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities, according to several reports. Two other nuclear sites were attacked by 30 Tomahawk missiles launched from US submarines.
Fox News’ Sean Hannity says he just got off the phone with US President Donald Trump, who told him that six bunker-buster bombs were used to target Iran’s underground Fordow nuclear facility.
ALSO READ: Netanyahu Lauds Trump’s ‘Bold Decision’ To Attack Iran’s Nuclear Sites: ‘Peace Through Strength’
What Are ‘Bunker-Buster’ Bombs?
The Fordow nuclear site is an underground nuclear facility in Iran that is buried deep in the mountains, supposedly out of reach of Israeli missiles. The 13,600-kg US “bunker-busting" bomb was the only munition capable of striking Fordow. Israel had appealed the US to use the munition.
According to the US military, the GBU-57, also known as the Massive Ordnance Penetrator, is designed to penetrate up to 200 feet (60 meters) underground before exploding. This is different from other missiles or bombs that detonate on impact.
The MOP is armed with 6,000 pounds of explosives that is capable of reaching and destroying weapons of mass destruction located in well-protected facilities, according to the US Air Force. Saturday is the first known instance of the bomb being used operationally.
Iran Nuclear Sites ‘Obliterated’
US President Donald Trump hailed the airstrikes on Iran as a “spectacular military success," claiming that key nuclear facilities at Fordow, Natanz, and Esfahan were “completely obliterated."
US B-2 Spirit stealth bombers, one of America’s most advanced strategic weapons platforms, were reportedly involved in strikes on Iran’s nuclear sites on Saturday. They are the only aircraft capable of carrying the GBU-57 bombs.
The strategic long-range heavy bomber has a range of about 7,000 miles without refueling and 11,500 miles with one refueling, and can reach any point in the world within hours.
Meanwhile, United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said he was “gravely alarmed" by the US strike on Iran, calling for peace and warning against further escalation in the turbulent region.
Aveek Banerjee is a Senior Sub Editor at News18. Based in Noida with a Master's in Global Studies, Aveek has more than three years of experience in digital media and news curation, specialising in international...Read More
Aveek Banerjee is a Senior Sub Editor at News18. Based in Noida with a Master's in Global Studies, Aveek has more than three years of experience in digital media and news curation, specialising in international...
Read More
Washington D.C., United States of America (USA)
First Published:News world What Is GBU-57, The 'Bunker-Buster' Bomb Used By US To Strike Iran's Nuclear Facilities?
