US Military Avoids Bunker-Busters On Deep Iran Isfahan Nuclear Site

The US military refrained from using Massive Ordnance Penetrator (MOP) bunker-buster bombs on Iran's deeply buried Isfahan nuclear site during recent strikes, as the site’s depth would have rendered the bombs ineffective, according to Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman Gen. Dan Caine. Instead, Tomahawk missiles launched from a submarine targeted Isfahan, which is believed to house nearly 60% of Iran's enriched uranium stockpile critical for nuclear weapons development, while B-2 bombers deployed bunker-busters on the Fordow and Natanz sites. A classified briefing to US lawmakers, including officials such as Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and CIA Director John Ratcliffe, indicated that the military strikes likely only delayed Iran’s nuclear program by months and did not destroy its core components, with some enriched uranium possibly relocated before the attacks. While President Donald Trump asserted that Iran’s nuclear program was 'obliterated' and threatened further strikes if Iran continues uranium enrichment, lawmakers acknowledged that some nuclear materials remain and emphasized the need for Iran to engage with the International Atomic Energy Agency for full accountability. Democratic Sen. Chris Murphy highlighted the challenge posed by Iran’s ability to protect its nuclear capabilities in underground sites beyond the reach of US bombing. The Trump administration avoided detailed public disclosures regarding the exact status of Iran’s enriched uranium stockpile following the strikes.