Fact Check: "B-2 stealth jets dropped 14 bunker buster bombs on Iran's nuclear sites."
What We Know
Recent military operations involving the United States have confirmed that B-2 stealth bombers were indeed deployed to strike Iranian nuclear facilities. Specifically, 14 GBU-57 Massive Ordnance Penetrators (MOPs), which are classified as bunker buster bombs, were dropped on the Fordo nuclear site, a facility known for its uranium enrichment activities and located deep underground to evade detection and attacks (BBC, AP News). This operation, codenamed Midnight Hammer, involved a total of 125 US military aircraft and targeted three key nuclear sites in Iran: Fordo, Natanz, and Isfahan (Reuters, NPR).
The B-2 bombers executed the mission under conditions of high secrecy, managing to avoid detection by Iranian radar systems. The operation was characterized as a precision strike aimed at significantly disrupting Iran's nuclear capabilities (AP News, BBC).
Analysis
The claim that B-2 stealth jets dropped 14 bunker buster bombs on Iran's nuclear sites is supported by multiple credible sources, including major news outlets like the BBC, AP News, and Reuters. These reports provide detailed accounts of the military operation, including the specific type of bombs used and the targeted sites.
The B-2 Spirit bombers are known for their stealth capabilities, which were crucial for the success of this operation, allowing them to evade Iranian defenses (Reuters). The use of GBU-57 MOPs is particularly significant, as these bombs are designed to penetrate hardened targets, making them suitable for attacking underground facilities like Fordo (BBC).
While Iranian officials have claimed that the strikes did not cause significant damage, the U.S. military has asserted that the operation achieved its objectives, severely disrupting Iran's nuclear program (AP News, NPR). This discrepancy highlights the potential for bias in reporting from both sides, but the initial assessments from U.S. military sources lend credibility to the claim of significant impact.
Conclusion
The claim that B-2 stealth jets dropped 14 bunker buster bombs on Iran's nuclear sites is True. The evidence from multiple reliable sources confirms that the operation involved the deployment of B-2 bombers and the use of bunker buster bombs specifically targeting Iranian nuclear facilities.
