The Iran-Israel war has developed into a catastrophic crisis following a series of devastating military strikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities by the United States Saturday with B-2 Stealth Bombers equipped with 14 powerful GBU-57 bunker-buster bombs. The B2 bombers targeted Fordow, one of Iran’s most fortified nuclear sites. The GBU-57 bombs are capable of penetrating up to 15 feet of reinforced concrete-at times exceeding existing standards-and can plunge approximately 200 feet underground before detonating with destructive force, likened to an earthquake. Fordow, buried as deep as 80 meters below ground level and described as roughly three floors underground, has long been regarded as Iran’s most secure nuclear installation. The US also launched multiple Tomahawk missiles at two other key sites, Natanz and Isfahan, claiming the strikes have rendered these facilities inoperative, although independent verification remains pending. Israel also conducted its own air raids on Fordow, intensifying the already volatile situation. While official claims from the US and Israel remain speculative about the extent of the damage inflicted, it is generally believed that the precision-guided, GPS-enabled, laser-guided bombs used in these strikes inflicted significant if not total destruction. The involvement of the United States in these operations has dramatically transformed the face of the conflict, positioning it far beyond a regional dispute and into the realm of a broader international crisis. The Iranian regime considers any war against Israel and the West as a form of holy war, fueling a cycle of violence. President Donald Trump, had initially said he would consider any involvement in the Iran-Israel conflict in two weeks. However two weeks became two days when he issued a rapid decision to authorize the strikes. While Iran’s air force lacks the capabilities of Israel, it compensates with hypersonic missile technology, Russian SAM and thousands of kamikaze drones-tools designed to inflict maximum damage on Israeli cities and military assets. Although the Israeli military may successfully destroy some mobile missile launchers, doing so is an immense challenge given their frequent movement and high mobility to evade detection. Iran’s desperation has become evident as it has launched hypersonic missiles at Israeli cities, killing scores of civilians in an act of cold retaliation that underscores the increasing severity of the conflict. The U.S. strikes have also raised critical concerns about Iran’s nuclear capabilities. Over 600 kilograms of enriched uranium-potentially usable for nuclear weapons-have reportedly been shifted out of Iran’s facilities in anticipation of imminent attack. Yet, uncertainties persist regarding the current status of Iran’s nuclear stockpiles, especially if Tehran possesses clandestine facilities capable of enriching uranium from 60% to 90%, a level needed for nuclear armament. Such a development would plunge global security into uncharted and perilous territory, potentially igniting a third world war. The spectre of Iran acquiring nuclear weapons-possibly handing them to terrorist proxies like Hezbollah or Houthi militias-looms ominously, increasing the risk of regional and global destabilization. Israel’s relentless efforts to prevent Iran from developing nuclear weapons have come at tremendous costs, both economically and militarily. The ongoing war will expose the risk of a nuclear proliferation. The unpredictable reaction of regional and global powers make this an extraordinarily dangerous moment-a potential tipping point, where the world might spiral into a wider, catastrophic war that could reshape international alliances and threaten global peace.
Tuesday, June 24, 2025