Only US has weapons capable of halting Iran’s nuclear program, say experts

WorldPolitics
17 Jun 2025 • 11:24 PM MYT
The Independent
The Independent

The world’s most free-thinking newspaper

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  • Experts suggest that only the US possesses the weapons capable of halting Iran's nuclear program – particularly the Massive Ordnance Penetrator (MOP), a 13.6-tonne bunker-busting bomb.
  • Israel has launched "Operation Rising Lion," striking near Iranian nuclear facilities and assassinating military commanders, but Iran's underground facility at Fordow remains unaffected.
  • Iran's most fortified nuclear site, Fordow is deeply embedded within a mountain, potentially beyond the reach of even the MOP, raising concerns about the effectiveness of military intervention.
  • Analysts suggest the deployment of B-2 bomber jets to the UK-US military base in the Chagos Islands would signal US action.
  • IAEA chief Rafael Grossi warned against military action jeopardizing nuclear facilities, citing grave consequences, while Israel claims to have contingencies to deal with Fordow, including potential commando operations.

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