Fact Check: "14 Massive Ordinance Penetrator bombs were dropped on Iranian nuclear sites."
What We Know
On June 21, 2025, the Pentagon confirmed that a military operation known as "Midnight Hammer" targeted three Iranian nuclear sites, utilizing a total of 14 GBU-57 Massive Ordnance Penetrator bombs. The operation was executed by seven B-2 stealth bombers, which took off from Whiteman Air Force Base in Missouri and struck the sites within a 30-minute window. The bombs were specifically designed to penetrate deeply buried targets, such as the Fordo nuclear facility, which is known for its fortified underground structures (New York Times, BBC).
General Dan Caine, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, stated that the initial assessments indicated that all three sites sustained "extremely severe damage and destruction" (New York Times). The operation also included the launch of over two dozen Tomahawk cruise missiles from a U.S. Navy submarine aimed at a third site in Isfahan (New York Times).
Analysis
The claim that 14 Massive Ordnance Penetrator bombs were dropped on Iranian nuclear sites is supported by multiple credible sources, including the Pentagon's own briefing and reports from major news outlets. The New York Times and BBC both confirm the use of 14 GBU-57 bombs in the operation, which aligns with the Pentagon's detailed description of the military action.
The GBU-57 is a specialized bomb designed to penetrate hardened targets, making it suitable for the fortified nuclear sites in Iran. The reliability of the sources is high, as they are established news organizations and official military communications. The Pentagon's statements are particularly authoritative, given that they come directly from military officials involved in the operation.
However, it is important to note that while the U.S. government claims the sites were "obliterated," Iranian officials have contested this narrative, asserting that the facilities were not significantly damaged due to prior evacuations of sensitive materials (BBC). This discrepancy highlights the potential for bias in the reporting of military operations, as both sides may have vested interests in portraying the outcomes favorably.
Conclusion
The claim that 14 Massive Ordnance Penetrator bombs were dropped on Iranian nuclear sites is True. This assertion is substantiated by credible reports from the Pentagon and major news outlets, which detail the specifics of the military operation and the types of munitions used. While there is some contention regarding the effectiveness of the strikes, the factual basis of the claim regarding the number and type of bombs used is well-supported.
Sources
- Pentagon Details Multipronged Attack on Iranian Nuclear Sites
- What we know about US strikes on Iran's nuclear facilities
- What is the Massive Ordnance Penetrator, the U.S. bunker-busting bomb?
- Bunker-buster bombs and Iran's Fordo nuclear facility: here's what to know
- Trump says key Iranian nuclear facilities 'totally obliterated'
