WASHINGTON, Jun 18 (Alliance News): A potent symbol of American military power—the GBU-57 Massive Ordnance Penetrator—is emerging as a possible option in the event of a US military response in support of Israel amid escalating tensions with Iran.
Known as the world’s most powerful bunker-buster bomb, the GBU-57 weighs over 30,000 pounds (13,607 kilograms) and is designed to destroy deeply buried facilities, including fortified nuclear sites. It can penetrate up to 200 feet (61 meters) underground before detonating with devastating precision.
The weapon can only be deployed by the US Air Force’s B-2 Stealth Bomber, an aircraft uniquely equipped for high-risk, strategic missions. A B-2 was recently seen flying over the Washington Monument during Independence Day celebrations—a reminder of the aircraft’s iconic status and lethal capability.
While Israel has long expressed its determination to prevent Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon, it does not possess the GBU-57 in its arsenal.
This gap makes US support critical if military action targeting Iran’s hardened nuclear infrastructure were to be considered.
Amid growing regional instability, former President Donald Trump has hinted at the use of overwhelming force if diplomacy fails.
Analysts suggest that any decision to activate such powerful weaponry would mark a serious escalation and carry significant geopolitical consequences.
The resurfacing of the bunker-buster threat underscores the gravity of the current standoff, as fears mount that a wider conflict could erupt in the Middle East.
