US Weapon to Tackle Iran’s Nuclear Facilities

Defense experts shared with the Wall Street Journal that the United States possesses a unique weapon capable of dismantling Iran’s reinforced nuclear sites—one that has never seen action in warfare before.

As Iran’s nuclear infrastructure faces attacks, the Fordow Uranium Enrichment facility, hidden beneath a mountain close to Qom, remains unscathed. Military analysts note that only the US-developed Massive Ordnance Penetrator (MOP) can effectively take out such facilities.

Israel has already conducted numerous airstrikes against key Iranian sites, including Natanz, along with targeting senior military personnel and nuclear scientists. However, Fordow poses a significant obstacle, as standard Israeli munitions aren’t capable of breaching its deep defenses.

The GBU-57 MOP, weighing in at 30,000 pounds, is specifically designed for high-strength targets like Fordow. It can reportedly penetrate over 200 feet of reinforced concrete or rock before detonating, making it particularly lethal. Mark Kang-Sian, a former Pentagon official, confirmed to the Wall Street Journal that the weapon was tailor-made for such scenarios. The US has invested around $400 million in its development and maintains about 20 units, deployable only by B-2 stealth bombers.

A former US defense official estimates that at least six MOPs might be necessary to fully neutralize both Fordow and Natanz. While Israel possesses its own strategy for eliminating Fordow, military experts believe that a US-led strike with MOPs would ensure a greater chance of success.

While the US has not officially joined Israel’s military initiatives, it has bolstered its presence in the region, deploying additional forces, including a second aircraft carrier. Enhanced air defense systems and naval assets are also in place to support Israel amid recent missile barrages launched from Iran.

President Trump has hinted at the possibility of attacking Iran’s nuclear sites, demanding “unconditional surrender” from the Iranian government. He stated recently, “Then we blow up all the nuclear things out there,” pointing to Tehran’s hostile rhetoric against the US and its allies.

In response, Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei emphasized that the Iranian state will never capitulate or engage with the US under threats, warning that any military intervention would lead to catastrophic damage.

Neither the Pentagon nor the White House has commented on the developments reported by the Wall Street Journal.