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In a high-stakes military operation, the United States deployed some of its most advanced conventional weapons, the GBU-57 Massive Ordnance Penetrator (MOP) bunker-buster bombs and Tomahawk cruise missiles, in coordinated strikes on key Iranian nuclear facilities. The rare use of these powerful weapons signals a sharp escalation in efforts to disable Iran’s deeply buried and fortified nuclear infrastructure.About GBU-57 Bunker BustersAccording to reports, six GBU-57 bunker-busters were dropped on the Fordow nuclear facility by B-2 Spirit stealth bombers, marking the first-ever operational use of this 30,000-pound weapon. Designed to destroy hardened underground targets, the GBU-57 is capable of penetrating up to 200 feet of earth or 60 feet of reinforced concrete before detonating. The bomb’s sheer size and kinetic force make it uniquely suited to strike facilities like Fordow, which is built into a mountain near the city of Qom.Each B-2 bomber can carry up to two MOPs, and its stealth design allows it to bypass sophisticated air defence systems. These features made it the aircraft of choice for the high-risk mission. The B-2’s ability to fly long-range, undetected, and deliver precision payloads is critical in missions where conventional bombs would prove ineffective.About Tomahawk Cruise MissilesSimultaneously, the US Navy launched 30 Tomahawk cruise missiles from submarines stationed in the region. These missiles targeted other key nuclear-related sites in Natanz and Isfahan, facilities integral to Iran’s uranium enrichment program. Tomahawks are long-range, precision-guided missiles capable of being launched from sea or land. With a range of approximately 1,000 miles, they can hit targets with extreme accuracy and minimal warning, making them a cornerstone of US tactical strike capabilities.This operation is among the most direct US military interventions against Iran’s nuclear programme to date. The decision to use the GBU-57 MOP, a weapon developed precisely for scenarios where underground facilities are otherwise unreachable, displays the seriousness with which the US and Israel view Iran’s nuclear ambitions.While the Pentagon has not officially confirmed all operational details, President Donald Trump acknowledged the strikes and emphasized their success. As global tensions rise, the deployment of these advanced weapons is being closely watched for its strategic implications and potential fallout in an already volatile Middle East.