On the night of 2 to 3 June, Polish time, the United States conducted a precise air strike on 3 strategical atomic facilities in Iran, including a uranium enrichment plant in Fordo. The operation was carried out utilizing B-2 Spirit bombers, which dropped the six largest non-atomic ILO penetration bombs (Massive Ordnance Penetrators) of mass weight 13 tonnes each. U.S. president Donald Trump announced the mission's success and called for the conflict to end, highlighting coordination with Israel and safe return of aircraft.
Precise hit on Iran's key atomic centres
The attack concentrated on 3 locations: Fordo, Natanz and Isfahanwhich is the foundation of Iran's atomic program. Fordo and Natanz are major uranium enrichment plants, while Isfahan is utilized to transform material into a form suitable for atomic weapons production.
According to anonymous sources from the U.S. administration, as The fresh York Times says, the impact on Fordo was the most crucial and brought considerable damage, mainly due to ILO bombs that are capable of penetrating underground shelters and military complexes, even those deep underground. Additionally, attacks on another centres were utilized 30 Tomahawk maneuvering missiles.
President Trump stressed in the communications that all the aircraft active had returned safely, and the operation ran as planned, which he considered a historical minute for the safety of the US, Israel and the world.
Coordination with Israel and diplomatic implications
Israeli public broadcaster Kan and another authoritative representatives confirmed that the attack was carried out in full coordination with Israel. After the action, Trump was to have a telephone conversation with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, highlighting the common interests of both states in stopping the Iranian atomic program.
On the another hand, the Iranian authorities confirmed the attack on Fordo, however, they claim that the bets were previously evacuated and the harm suffered is not irreparable. The Iranian Parliament's advisor stressed that "knowledge cannot be bombarded", indicating that the atomic programme would proceed despite the impact.
The scale and meaning of the weapons used
B-2 bombers dropped six ILO bombs – they are the largest non-atomic bombs in the US arsenal, weighing about 13 tonnes each. They were specially designed to destruct well-protected underground installations. specified weapons are limited to the most strategical objectives that cannot be destroyed by conventional means.
According to experts, only the United States has the ability to strike underground underground, which puts this operation in the category of uncommon and very precise military activities.
Political context and consequence to the attack
The attack is the first direct hit by the US in Iran since the failed rebound of US hostages in 1980. The decision came unexpectedly, although any American media indicated that the B-2 were headed for the Pacific. According to available information, Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu pressed for a fast response, rejecting the two-week waiting period announced by the US administration.
President Trump did not hide that the aim was to hold or even halt Iran's atomic program, which, according to him, could lead Iran to possession of atomic weapons within “weeks or months”.
Political divisions in the US
The President's decision met with mixed reception in the American Congress. Republicans mostly supported the attack, while any democrats, as well as any conservative isolationists, criticized Trump for not consulting legislature and the hazard of escalation of the conflict.
- Congressman Thomas Massie called the decision unconstitutional and attempted to block any U.S. engagement in the conflict with Iran.
- The Democratic leader in the Hakeem Jeffries home of Representatives warned of the hazard of war spilling and threat to the safety of American soldiers in the region.
Expert analysis and perspectives
The attack is an unprecedented example of the usage of state-of-the-art and heaviest conventional weapons against underground atomic objects. This may effectively hold the Iranian programme, but will not necessarily end it, especially given the statements made by the Iranian authorities and their readiness to continue.
From a geopolitical perspective, the operation strengthens the position of the US and Israel in the region, but besides risks further destabilisation and possible escalation of the conflict in the mediate East. Further developments will depend on Iran's consequence and the global community's response.
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American B-2 dropped 13-ton bombs on Iranian atomic objects