NYT: Iran Has Hidden A Major Nuclear Base In A Mountain
- 17.06.2025, 13:13
- 8,940
Only the US can destroy it.
Iran's most fortified nuclear facility, Fordow, was built deep into a mountain to protect it from attack. Only the U.S. military has a bomb capable of destroying it, writes The New York Times.
Fortressing Iran's nuclear program
Fordo is Iran's extremely fortified underground nuclear facility, built inside a mountain to protect it from air attacks. It plays a key role in enriching uranium, which, according to the IAEA, has reached a level of 83.7% in 2023 - almost the threshold for nuclear weapons.
Only the United States has an aerial bomb capable of hitting Fordow - the 13,000-kilogram GBU-57 (MOP). It can only be carried by a B-2 strategic stealth bomber. Israel has no such weapon and has not received U.S. authorization to purchase it.
"We didn't supply these bombs to Israel because we didn't want them to use them," said Gen. Joseph Votel, former head of U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM).
Israeli approach: strikes around Fordo
Military officials believe Israel could damage supporting facilities around Fordo - power plants, infrastructure, entrances to the site. The possibility of using special forces to plant explosives inside is also being discussed.
"The physics of the problem remain the same," General Kenneth McKenzie emphasized, "This is a very difficult target."
In the past, Israel has successfully attacked targets in Syria using airpower and special operations. One plan under consideration for Fordo involves a helicopter landing of special forces, blowing up the facility from the inside. But such a mission is significantly riskier in Iran.
"It's not all about taking off and bombing," said Israel's ambassador to the United States, Yehiel Leiter.
The U.S. is between deterrence and risk
So far, President Trump has not endorsed a change in policy regarding the transfer of "pipe bombs" to Israel. Washington worries that a joint strike on Fordow could cause an international crisis, radiation contamination and retaliatory strikes on US bases.
"US participation in a strike on Iran would be seen as aggression against a sovereign state," warns General Votel.
In the meantime, the US is moving refueling tankers and aircraft into the region amid the escalation. Israel has air dominance over part of Iranian space, opening up limited opportunities to strike Fordow, but with no guarantee of success.
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