Fact Check: U.S. strikes on Iran's nuclear sites used bunker-buster bombs for the first time.

Fact Check: U.S. Strikes on Iran's Nuclear Sites Used Bunker-Buster Bombs for the First Time

What We Know

On June 21, 2025, the United States conducted military strikes on three Iranian nuclear sites: Fordo, Natanz, and Isfahan. This operation, referred to as "Operation Midnight Hammer," involved the deployment of seven B-2 stealth bombers, which dropped a total of 14 GBU-57 Massive Ordnance Penetrators (MOPs), commonly known as "bunker buster" bombs, specifically targeting the Fordo facility, which is located deep underground (BBC, NPR). The Pentagon confirmed that this marked the first combat use of the GBU-57 MOPs, which are designed to penetrate deep underground structures before detonating (Washington Post).

Analysis

The claim that the U.S. strikes on Iran's nuclear sites utilized bunker-buster bombs for the first time is supported by multiple credible sources. The Pentagon's briefing confirmed that the GBU-57 MOPs were indeed deployed during the operation, and this was the first instance of their use in combat (BBC, Washington Post). The GBU-57 MOP is specifically designed for penetrating fortified targets, making it suitable for the heavily fortified Fordo nuclear site, which is approximately 300 feet underground (NPR).

The reliability of the sources is high, as they include reputable news organizations like the BBC, NPR, and the Washington Post, all of which have established track records in reporting on military actions and international relations. Furthermore, the Pentagon's official statements provide authoritative confirmation of the details regarding the munitions used in the strikes.

However, it is essential to note that while the U.S. claims the operation was successful in damaging Iran's nuclear capabilities, Iranian officials have disputed the extent of the damage, asserting that the facilities had been evacuated prior to the strikes (BBC). This discrepancy highlights the complexities and potential biases in reporting on military actions, as both sides may present conflicting narratives.

Conclusion

The claim that U.S. strikes on Iran's nuclear sites used bunker-buster bombs for the first time is True. The evidence from multiple credible sources confirms that the GBU-57 MOPs were deployed during the operation, marking their first use in combat. The Pentagon's acknowledgment of this fact, alongside corroborating reports from reputable news outlets, solidifies the accuracy of the claim.

Fact Check: U.S. strikes on Iran's nuclear sites used bunker-buster bombs for the first time.