As tensions between Iran and Israel escalate, US President Donald Trump signaled that Washington may shift its role from a defensive partner to a more direct military participant. Speaking from the White House South Lawn on Wednesday, Trump stated, “The next week is going to be big,” suggesting that critical decisions are pending.
Trump revealed that Iranian officials are seeking negotiations, but warned that “it’s very late to be talking.” His remarks came amid growing pressure from Israel to launch strikes on Iran’s underground nuclear facilities, especially the Fordow Fuel Enrichment Plant, which is widely believed to be key to Tehran’s uranium enrichment efforts.
The Israeli leadership argues that Fordow cannot be neutralized with conventional weapons, and has urged the US to consider using bunker buster bombs, the only weapon capable of penetrating the fortified mountain site.
Fordow: Iran’s Most Secure Nuclear Site
The Fordow facility, located near the city of Qom, is buried deep inside a mountain, making it nearly impervious to standard airstrikes. According to weapons analysts, Fordow’s depth and reinforced structure were specifically designed to withstand enemy attacks, especially from Israeli airpower.
This facility has long been a point of concern for both Israel and the United States. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has repeatedly warned that Iran’s nuclear program poses an existential threat, and Fordow represents the “heart” of that threat.
In 2015, as part of the Iran nuclear deal (JCPOA), enrichment at Fordow was suspended. But with the deal collapsing in 2018 and Iran resuming high-level enrichment, Israel believes the time has come to act — and that only US-made Massive Ordnance Penetrators (MOPs) can do the job.
Read: Iran Accuses UN Nuclear Watchdog of Complicity in Israeli Aggression
Bunker Busters: A Game-Changing Weapon
The 30,000-pound bunker buster, officially called the Massive Ordnance Penetrator, is the most powerful non-nuclear bomb in the US arsenal. It can destroy deeply buried targets like Fordow, but only the US has the technology and delivery systems—namely, B-2 stealth bombers—to deploy them.
Using bunker busters would signal a dramatic shift in US involvement. Until now, American forces have focused on intercepting incoming Iranian missiles targeting Israel. Launching direct strikes would likely be seen by Tehran as an act of war and could trigger wider regional conflict.
Some US officials argue that such a move might be necessary to stop Iran’s nuclear advancements. Others warn it would ignite a prolonged war with unpredictable consequences.
Risks and Consequences of a Strike
Deploying bunker busters would mark a major escalation in the Middle East conflict. Iran has already warned that any direct US or Israeli strike on its nuclear facilities would prompt “severe retaliation.” Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has said that any such act would be considered a “final red line.”
Military analysts also caution that an attack on Fordow could provoke Iranian strikes on US bases, trigger proxy responses from Hezbollah or other groups, and disrupt global oil supplies through the Strait of Hormuz.
