On June 21, 2025, the United States carried out its first-ever airstrike on Iranian soil, targeting the Fordow, Natanz, and Esfahan nuclear facilities using B-2 stealth bombers, Tomahawk missiles, and specialized bunker-buster bombs. Iranian officials confirmed the strikes, dismissing concerns of radiation release and pledging legal retaliation while UN Secretary-General António Guterres condemned the operation as a “dangerous escalation.” Domestically, the attacks drew praise from certain Republican lawmakers for their precision and deterrence value, even as Democratic legislators criticized the action as unconstitutional without congressional authorization.
Why the Bunker-Buster Bomb Was Used
The GBU-57A/B Massive Ordnance Penetrator, commonly known as the “bunker-buster bomb,” was selected for its unique ability to penetrate up to 200 feet of reinforced concrete and bedrock before detonation—making it the only munition capable of destroying Iran’s deeply buried centrifuge halls at Fordow. This precision strike minimized collateral damage on the surface and reduced the risk of uncontrolled radioactive release, targeting only the hardened underground facilities that conventional munitions could not reach.
Its strategic importance lies in setting back Iran’s enrichment program by months, if not years, by collapsing centrifuge arrays in protected caverns. The MOP was carried and delivered by two USAF B-2 Spirit stealth bombers flying from Whiteman Air Force Base; their low-observable design allowed them to evade advanced Iranian air defenses and release the bunker-buster with pinpoint accuracy under cover of darkness.
Background of the US Iran Nuclear Strike
Tensions between Washington and Tehran have simmered for decades, rooted in Iran’s nuclear ambitions and successive rounds of sanctions and negotiations. After years of stalled diplomacy, Israel launched its own strikes on Natanz and Fordow earlier this month, raising the specter of a wider conflict.
International monitors, including the IAEA, have long flagged Fordow as the most sensitive site for uranium enrichment. Iran’s deep-buried centrifuges there have been under close observation since 2012.
Tactical Execution: Fordow Nuclear Strike Aftermath
The June 21 operation marked a significant escalation: B-2 stealth bombers delivered precision-guided bunker-busters to depths exceeding 200 feet, aiming to collapse reinforced caverns beneath the facilities. Simultaneously, Tomahawk missiles struck above-ground infrastructure at Natanz and Esfahan.
Use of Bunker-Buster Bombs and B-2 Bombers
These specialized munitions, capable of penetrating hardened rock, were critical for destroying buried centrifuge arrays in Fordow. Analysts note that such ordnance could set back Iran’s enrichment timeline by months.
For in-depth technical details, see the analysis of bunker-buster bomb usage.
— Fordow nuclear strike aftermath
Iranian Response and Legal Implications
The Iranian Atomic Energy Organization condemned the strikes as a blatant violation of international law and vowed to pursue “all legal avenues” at The Hague. Tehran’s Supreme Leader framed the attacks as proof of US aggression.
UN Condemnation and Legal Warnings
UN Secretary-General António Guterres called for an immediate halt to hostilities, warning that further military action “risks dragging the world into deeper conflict.” Diplomats urge a return to diplomatic channels to prevent irreversible escalation.
— Esfahan facility bombing analysis
International Community Reacts
European leaders expressed alarm, with the EU High Representative stressing that military action cannot replace diplomacy. NATO issued a statement urging “restraint from all sides” and emphasizing collective security obligations.
Regional powers, including China and Russia, decried the US intervention as destabilizing and potentially illegal under the UN Charter. Gulf states have moved to reinforce security along key shipping lanes.
Domestic Debate Over Constitutional Authority
Republican Senators, including Lindsey Graham, lauded the strike as necessary to neutralize a long-standing threat. They argued that executive authority was justified under existing Authorizations for Use of Military Force.
Republican Praise and Democratic Criticism
Meanwhile, prominent Democrats like Representative Jim Himes argued that Trump bypassed Congress, calling the action “unconstitutional” and advocating for legislative oversight. Legal scholars warn of potential precedents affecting war powers.
— Natanz airstrike implications
Potential Consequences and Next Steps
Analysts warn of possible Iranian retaliation, ranging from proxy attacks to disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz. Such moves could trigger energy market shocks and threaten global trade routes.
Diplomatic backchannels remain open, with mediators in Oman and Switzerland reportedly seeking to de-escalate. The coming days will be critical in determining whether this marks a limited operation or the start of a broader regional conflict.