What Are the B-2 Stealth Bombers that US Used to Strike Iran’s Nuclear Sites: Explained

B-2 Stealth Bombers were deployed in a high-stakes US operation to destroy Iran’s underground nuclear facilities, marking a major escalation in the Israel-Iran conflict

Washington | June 22, 2025 — In a significant escalation of the Israel-Iran conflict, President Donald Trump confirmed that the United States has officially entered the fray by using B-2 Stealth Bombers to strike three key Iranian nuclear sites—Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan. The bold move is being hailed by Trump as a “historic moment for the US, Israel, and the world.”

Also Read: Where Are Iran’s Nuclear Sites — And What Happens Inside Them?

The B-2 Spirit Stealth Bomber, a marvel of American aerospace engineering, was deployed to carry out precision strikes using Massive Ordnance Penetrators (MOPs)—powerful bunker-busting bombs designed to obliterate deeply-buried uranium enrichment facilities.

---

What Is the B-2 Stealth Bomber?

The B-2 Stealth Bomber is one of the most advanced and survivable aircraft in the US Air Force fleet. Manufactured by Northrop Grumman, it first flew in 1989 and remains unrivaled in its ability to evade radar, fly long-range missions, and strike fortified targets with extreme precision.

Also Read: Trump to Address Nation After “Historic” US Strikes on Iran’s Nuclear Sites

Key features include:

• Flying-wing design and radar-absorbent materials that give it a radar cross-section as small as 0.001 square meters (similar to a small bird).
• A range of 6,000 nautical miles without refueling.
• All-altitude capability and high-altitude operational freedom.
• Can carry two Massive Ordnance Penetrators, each weighing 30,000 pounds.

Its stealth capabilities make the B-2 uniquely qualified to infiltrate heavily defended enemy territory and strike without early detection.

Also Read: US Strikes Iran’s Nuclear Sites in Major Escalation; Trump Declares “Fordow Is Gone”

---

Why Did the US Use B-2 Bombers Against Iran?

The strikes targeted three critical sites: Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan. According to Trump, six bunker-busting bombs were used on Fordow alone, with 30 Tomahawk missiles hitting the other two sites.

The decision to use the B-2 was strategic:

• It is the only aircraft capable of deploying the Massive Ordnance Penetrator (MOP)—a GPS-guided bomb designed specifically for deeply buried and hardened bunkers.
• Iranian nuclear sites, especially Fordow, are fortified deep underground, making conventional bombing ineffective.

Trump confirmed the mission’s goal was to decapitate Iran’s nuclear program and deliver a direct warning to Tehran and its allies.

---

What Is a Bunker Buster Bomb or Massive Ordnance Penetrator (MOP)?

The Massive Ordnance Penetrator (MOP) is a deep-penetration bomb developed by the US Air Force to destroy hardened underground facilities. It is more advanced than its predecessors (such as the BLU-109 and GBU-28), with:

• High explosive yield
• Precision GPS-guided targeting
• Capability to reach underground sites buried beneath rock or reinforced concrete

The B-2’s stealth combined with the power of the MOP makes this pairing lethal for any adversary hiding critical assets underground.

---

Implications of the Strike

The deployment of the B-2 bomber signals a dramatic shift in US military posture in the Middle East. With tensions already running high due to the ongoing Israel-Iran conflict, this American intervention:

• Underscores Washington’s commitment to Israel’s security
• Serves as a deterrent to further nuclear escalation by Iran
• Raises questions about possible Iranian retaliation and broader regional instability

---

🏷️ Tags:

B-2 Stealth Bomber, US Iran Conflict, Iran Nuclear Sites, Fordow Bombing, Massive Ordnance Penetrator, Trump Iran Strike, Israel US Military Alliance, US Air Force, Bunker Buster Bomb, Middle East Escalation