Tel Aviv: Tensions between Israel and Iran have escalated, leading to over 240 casualties in Iran and more than 24 in Israel, following a series of air strikes. Behind the scenes, Israeli officials are urging Washington to deepen its military involvement, as they depend on American bunker-busting capabilities to potentially strike Iran’s Fordow nuclear facility.
According to TRTworld.com, an Israeli official emphasized that their military strategy relies on eventual US participation, highlighting the necessity of American firepower. The Fordow plant, buried underground near Qom, is fortified by geography and construction, making it resistant to conventional attacks. Visiting Professor Ozgur Korpe from National Defense University noted that only US bunker-buster bombs could effectively target such a facility.
The Fordow facility, intended to be a research center under the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, resumed uranium enrichment after the US exited the agreement in 2018. This enrichment has increased Iran’s uranium purity levels to 60%, although it remains below the 90% required for weapons-grade material. Former Turkish military attaché Omer Ozgul clarified that Iran’s nuclear activities are officially reported, contrary to some misconceptions.
The Fordow plant’s robustness, protected by deep tunnels and anti-aircraft defenses, poses a significant challenge. Israel has attempted attacks on auxiliary structures but has not breached the main facility. The US-developed GBU-57 Massive Ordnance Penetrator is the only non-nuclear weapon capable of reaching such a fortified target, a capability exclusive to the US.
Israel lacks access to both the GBU-57 and the B-2 Spirit stealth bomber, which are essential for deploying this bomb. As a result, Israel’s ability to independently target Fordow is limited. Korpe stated that unless Israel has secretly acquired this technology, US intervention is necessary for a successful strike.
Defense analysts suggest that even a US-led operation would require multiple precision strikes to neutralize Fordow. Israeli defense circles increasingly call for US involvement, viewing it as essential if diplomatic or covert measures fail.
Despite public statements suggesting unilateral action, Israel’s rhetoric is seen as an attempt to pressure the US into military action. Signs of potential US military preparations include the redeployment of aircraft carriers and the positioning of refueling aircraft, indicating readiness for escalation if needed.
A recent billboard in Tel Aviv, urging US President Donald Trump to “finish the job,” reflects Israel’s appeal for American intervention. While contingency plans are in place, a full-scale US intervention has not been authorized. Israel’s frustration grows as Iran’s resilience persists, with its nuclear infrastructure remaining intact.