Trump Delays Iran Strike Citing Doubts Over Bunker Buster Effectiveness

President Donald Trump has expressed reluctance to authorize U.S. strikes on Iran's deeply buried uranium enrichment facility at Fordow unless the 30,000-pound GBU-57 Massive Ordnance Penetrator (MOP) can be guaranteed to destroy it. Despite being informed that the GBU-57 could eliminate Fordow, Trump remains unconvinced and hopes that the threat of military action might lead Iran to negotiations. Defense officials have noted that the facility's depth and fortification may require a tactical nuclear weapon for complete destruction, a measure Trump is explicitly not considering. Israeli leaders have urged U.S. intervention, warning of Iran's accelerated nuclear weapons program and the limitations of Israel's own military capabilities to strike Fordow. Trump has taken a firm stance against allowing Iran to acquire nuclear weapons and has criticized isolationist Republicans who oppose intervention, emphasizing his commitment to achieving a total victory over Iran. However, public support for U.S. involvement in the Iran-Israel conflict remains low, including among Trump voters, with polls showing only a minority in favor of military engagement.