Why Israel needs US ‘bunker-buster’ bombs to target Iran’s nuclear enrichment plant • FRANCE 24

it’s the biggest non-uclear bomb in the US military’s arsenal and the only thing that can destroy Iran’s underground enrichment plant at Fordo the GBU57AB massive ordinance penetrator is known as the bunker buster and carries a blast of 11 tons of TNT israel does not possess the planes to carry the GBU only American B2 planes can do that meaning Washington’s involvement would be necessary the US dropped a similar bomb the GBU43B Moab in 2017 on a cave complex in Afghanistan being used by the Islamic State group the only time it has ever been deployed that blast killed 94 militants and also reportedly two civilians in the vicinity the bomb detonates before reaching the ground resulting in a massive blast radius meaning it carries an extra risk of civilian casualties without access to the GBU57 Israel’s options include a series of smaller bombings or a commando raid similar to the one carried out by special forces last September that destroyed an underground missile factory in Syria israel did bomb the site last Friday but there was reportedly little damage with its centrifuges buried deep under a mountain Fordo is key to Iran’s alleged efforts to create an atomic bomb in 2023 the International Atomic Energy Agency reported it had discovered uranium enriched to 83.7% purity in Fordo close to the 90% enrichment level necessary for nuclear weapons

One of Israel’s major targets in its airstrikes on Iran is the Fordow nuclear enrichment plant, which analysts say is close to enriching uranium necessary for a nuclear bomb. But the facility is designed to withstand Israeli attacks, located under a mountain near the holy city of Qom. And the only thing capable of destroying it is a bomb that only the United States possesses. Oliver Farry has more.
#Israel #strikes #Iran

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34 comments

  9. The last war that America won was WWII. For over 70 years, they started over 100 wars and almost lost every single one. This time, they'll lose again, and the economy will get flashed into a toilet. Watch the show

  12. Plan B -Within 10 years UK, France, Canada, Germany..goin to b islamic countries with muslim Pm..iran n all muslim countries easily get nuclear power…😊

  21. Why is there no discussion about Israel's nuclear arsenal and weapons capability? This is a country that flagrantly violates international law.

  24. Iran got big balls. Israel is one of the most powerful nations, supported & protected by the most powerful nations on earth. Iran, on the other hand, is isolated nation hated even by arab states, it's economy is crippled by decades of sanctions, underdog in every aspect; but when they got hit, they hit back. Big balls!

  25. I have been responsible for a 0$ tax liability for the last 10+ years and so I've aided none of this – those liable for a >0$ amount have illegally aided killings and have a serious moral consequence.

  26. Is there a reason why other countries cannot produce such weapons? Is it too expensive and not used enough or are there other reasons?

  27. Theres a lot wrong with the information in this video – it is not a nuclear bomb and it definitely does not explode before it hits the ground. The GBU bunker buster is designed to penetrate through up to 200ft of earth or concrete before detonating – easy to identify based on video footage you used to accompany a voice saying that it ‘explodes above the ground’. Heres some basic ChatGPT info on the types of non-nuclear explosives used –

    🧨 Main Explosive Fill Types Used in GBU Bombs:

    1. Tritonal
    • What it is: A mix of TNT (80%) and aluminum powder (20%).
    • Found in: Most legacy GBU variants like the GBU-10, GBU-12, and GBU-16 (based on the Mk 80 series bombs).
    • Why it’s used: The aluminum increases blast temperature and pressure.

    2. PBXN-109
    • What it is: A more stable and insensitive high explosive (plastic-bonded).
    • Found in: More modern versions like the GBU-31 JDAM (based on the Mk 84 or BLU-109 warhead).
    • Why it’s used: Better safety, less risk of accidental detonation (especially in fire).

    3. AFX-757
    • What it is: An advanced explosive used in some bunker-busting variants.
    • Found in: BLU-113 penetrator warheads used in GBU-28s (deep penetration bombs).
    • Why it’s used: Designed for extremely hard target penetration before detonation.

    4. Thermobaric Fill (Special Use)
    • Found in: Very rare cases like the GBU-43/B MOAB (Massive Ordnance Air Blast).
    • What it does: Creates a high-temperature, high-pressure blast over a large area using atmospheric oxygen.

  30. They are going to use this 100,% isrsel ki trying to destroy the lauchers as much as possible to avoid irans balastic missles when they have nothing left to loose

  32. Love it. Irans “alleged efforts” specifically emphasized in word and tone. Sounds that her somber Iran won’t get the bomb. Cheer up, you’ll find something to criticize

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