Fact Check: U.S. possesses exclusive 30,000-pound bunker buster bombs for Iran strike
What We Know
The claim that the U.S. possesses exclusive 30,000-pound bunker buster bombs, specifically the GBU-57 Massive Ordnance Penetrator (MOP), is substantiated by multiple credible sources. The GBU-57 is designed to penetrate deeply buried targets, such as Iran's Fordo nuclear facility, which is located approximately 80 meters underground and heavily fortified (NPR, AP News).
The GBU-57 weighs about 30,000 pounds and is approximately 20 feet long, making it one of the heaviest non-nuclear bombs in the U.S. arsenal. It is specifically designed for use by B-2 stealth bombers, which are exclusively operated by the U.S. Air Force (ABC News, USA Today).
Experts agree that the GBU-57 could potentially cause significant damage to the Fordo facility, although the extent of the damage and its effectiveness in halting Iran's nuclear program remain subjects of debate (NPR, AP News).
Analysis
The assertion that the U.S. has exclusive access to the GBU-57 is supported by the fact that it is a specialized weapon designed for use with specific aircraft that only the U.S. operates. According to NPR, the GBU-57 is tailored for penetrating hardened targets and is not available for other nations, including Israel, which lacks the heavy bombers required to deploy such a weapon.
The reliability of the sources is high; both NPR and AP News are established news organizations known for their journalistic integrity. They provide detailed descriptions of the bomb's specifications and intended use, as well as expert opinions on its potential effectiveness against Iran's nuclear facilities. The information aligns across multiple reputable outlets, reinforcing the credibility of the claim.
However, there are nuances regarding the bomb's effectiveness. While the GBU-57 could potentially damage the Fordo facility, experts caution that it may not completely eliminate Iran's nuclear capabilities, as the country possesses the knowledge and infrastructure to rebuild its program (NPR, AP News).
Conclusion
Verdict: True
The claim that the U.S. possesses exclusive 30,000-pound bunker buster bombs for a potential strike on Iran is accurate. The GBU-57 MOP is a unique weapon in the U.S. arsenal, designed for penetrating deeply buried targets like the Fordo nuclear facility. The evidence from multiple credible sources confirms the U.S.'s exclusive capability to deploy this bomb, as well as the specific aircraft required for its use.
