Invincibility of Fordow Nuclear Site Shattered by New Bomb Invention

By Shola Adebowale

The Fordow nuclear site in Iran has long been a point of contention among world leaders ,most especially those in the Western hemisphere, with its destruction being a topic of discussion for years. The site’s depth and fortifications make it a challenging target for conventional munitions. However, unknown to the world, the United States has secretly developed a massive bunker-busting bomb, known as the GBU-57 Massive Ordnance Penetrator (MOP), specifically designed to target deeply buried facilities like Fordow.

In retrospect, the US first learned of the Fordow plant’s existence in 2009, when intelligence indicated Iran was preparing to install up to 3,000 centrifuges at the facility. The site is built into the side of a mountain, making it resistant to conventional airstrikes. Iran claims the facility is for peaceful purposes, specifically nuclear power generation. However, the site’s development and capabilities have raised concerns about nuclear proliferation.

Undoubtedly, Fordow is crucial to Iran’s uranium enrichment program, producing uranium enriched to 60% – close to the 90% threshold required for weapons-grade material. Its depth, fortifications, and advanced air defense systems make it a challenging target for military strikes.

To prepare the groundwork for future actions against the site, the US military worked with industry and other tacticians to develop the GBU-57 MOP, a 30,000-pound bomb designed to penetrate deep into the earth or reinforced concrete before detonating. The bomb’s development involved extensive testing, with hundreds of test shots and full-scale weapons dropped against realistic targets. Therefore , the strike on Fordow was precision-planned to target two ventilation shafts, which would funnel the bunker busters deep inside the plant.

The planners accounted for everything, including the concrete caps covering the shafts, which were forcibly removed by the first bomb. The main shaft was then uncovered, allowing the subsequent bombs to penetrate deep into the complex. In other words,the development of the bomb involved a team effort from experts across the military and industry.

Therefore, the June 22, US strike on Iran’s Fordow nuclear fuel enrichment plant was the culmination of a 15-year effort to develop a bomb capable of penetrating the site’s deep underground facilities and therefore not a spontaneous action or presidencial recklessness of President Trump. Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Lt. Gen. Dan Caine revealed that the US began secretly designing bombs specifically to target Fordow in 2009, after learning of the plant’s existence. The strike on Fordow, code-named Operation Midnight Hammer, was the culmination of that age long efforts.

Specifically,the US possession of the Massive Ordnance Penetrator (MOP), which could potentially destroy Fordow’s internal structure if accurately deployed, is a game changer . The bomb’s guidance system uses GPS-aided inertial navigation to ensure accuracy against fortified underground bunkers. According to reports, six GBU-57 bombs were dropped on Fordow by B-2 bombers, supplemented by 30 Tomahawk missiles targeting Natanz and Esfahan facilities, when Iranian belligerence reached an all time heightened frenzy to take such risky preemptive action.

However, for ages, it has widely been held that a direct strike on Fordow carries far-reaching implications for international diplomacy and regional stability. Any attack, it is believed would likely trigger widespread retaliation across the region, potentially involving US assets, Gulf nations, or maritime routes.

Therefore , it is believed that the direct involvement of the US would represent a significant escalation in the conflict, with potential consequences including a lingering regional instability and a wave of triggering retaliation from Iran ,it’s proxies in Lebanon, Palestine and Iraq and its allies around the world, more significantly, sleeper cells .It is also believed that it would catalyse an ominous diplomatic fallouts, straining relationships between the US and other countries, while there would be increased tensions, potentially leading to further conflict in the region.But, thus far, none of these playbook scenarios has erupted and business as usual is far gradually replacing the 12 days of tensions between Isreal and Iran.

Despite recent Israeli airstrikes on Iranian nuclear facilities,and subsequent US strikes, on the ground assessment of Fordow remains largely a big issue. The site’s significance and resilience make it a critical point of contention in the ongoing nuclear standoff between Iran and the international community. Iran continues to implement its comprehensive safeguards agreement with the IAEA. However, Iran halted more intrusive verification measures in 2021, limiting the IAEA’s ability to monitor its nuclear activities.

It should clearly be noted that the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) plays a crucial role in monitoring Iran’s nuclear activities. However, Iran’s decision to halt more intrusive verification measures has limited the IAEA’s ability to monitor its nuclear activities. Notwithstanding, the IAEA continues to implement its comprehensive safeguards agreement with Iran, but the lack of transparency and cooperation from Iran raises concerns about the country’s nuclear program.

At this stage, the focus is a bit changing as regards what would become of the status of the Strait of Hormuz and this is highly precarious, with far-reaching implications for global energy security and economic stability.

For emphasis, the Strait of Hormuz, a narrow waterway connecting the Persian Gulf to the Gulf of Oman, is a critical chokepoint for global energy supplies. Approximately 20-30% of the world’s oil shipments pass through this strait, making it essential for global energy security and economic stability. Any disruption to shipping in the strait would have far-reaching consequences for global trade and the economy.

There is no doubt that the consequences of a Strait of Hormuz Closure would be dire. For instance, it can unwittingly lead to global oil price spikes, as it’s blockade would trigger immediate surges in global oil prices, potentially reaching $250-$350 per barrel. It can also lead to global trade disruptions, causing shipping delays, increased insurance costs, and higher trade costs would follow. There is also the tendency for such an action to lead to economic recession, going by the fact that a prolonged blockade could trigger a global recession, with higher energy costs and trade disruptions reducing economic activity.And more significantly, it can catalyse regional Instability, because a blockade would exacerbate tensions in the Middle East, potentially leading to broader conflicts.

But for now, there is a relative ease of tension either from Iran or Isreal, with both agreeing to a US/Qatar sponsored cease fire.

Of course, there is no other viable option but a detente.As the recent conflict between Iran and Israel has resulted in a significant human toll and widespread infrastructure damage. According to reports, at least 627 people have been killed in Iran, including 268 military members, 387 civilians, and 319 unidentified dead. The injured toll stands at over 4,870 people, with reports of children, women, and hospital staff among the wounded.

Several top military commanders were killed in the conflict, including Major General Mohammad Bagheri, Iranian Armed Forces Chief of Staff; Hossein Salami, IRGC commander; Gholam Ali Rashid, IRGC senior commander; Amir Ali Hajizadeh, IRGC air force commander; Davoud Shaykhian, IRGC air defense unit commander; and Taher Pour, IRGC drone unit commander.

In Israel, at least 28 people have been killed, including civilians and soldiers, while over 3,000 people have been injured, with reports of critical and serious injuries.

The conflict has also resulted in significant infrastructure damage in both countries. In Iran, nuclear facilities at Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan were targeted, with significant damage reported. Oil depots and energy facilities were also hit, resulting in fires and damage. The Defence ministry headquarters in Tehran was damaged.

In Israel, residential areas, including buildings in Tel Aviv and Ramat Gan, were damaged or destroyed. Strategic sites like the Israeli Military Intelligence School and Haifa’s Ministry of Interior were hit. Over 9,000 people were displaced due to damage to their homes.

The conflict has resulted in significant economic losses for both countries. Estimated losses in Iran are between $150-200 billion, driven by damage to oil exports, infrastructure, and military assets. In Israel, estimated losses are between $8.7-25 billion, primarily due to missile defense operations and infrastructure repairs.

Research hospitals in Israel were likely affected, given the widespread damage to infrastructure, but specific details are not available for now. The conflict has raised concerns about regional stability and the potential for further escalation.

Conclusively, the recent US strike on Iran’s Fordow nuclear fuel enrichment plant, code-named Operation Midnight Hammer, has shattered the site’s invincibility and source of iran’s eternal belligerence and confidence. However, the risks of escalation and uncertain success make it a last-resort option for the US direct involvement.

At this stage, the international community remains apprehensive about the situation, with diplomatic efforts underway to prevent further escalation. As the situation continues to unfold, the world watches with bated breath, aware that any miscalculation could have far-reaching and devastating consequences.

For Diaspora Digital Media Updates click on Whatsapp, or Telegram. For eyewitness accounts/ reports/ articles, write to: citizenreports@diasporadigitalmedia.com. Follow us on X (Fomerly Twitter) or Facebook