Iran’s nuclear facilities are deep underground, protected by layers of rock and reinforced concrete. According to satellite images, an underground uranium storage facility has been built in Natanz at a depth of about 100 meters, a depth that even bunker-busting bombs are thought to be unable to penetrate.
Israel embarrassed Iranian intelligence, which failed to notice that the attack was being prepared from within, right under their noses. Tehran’s chain of command was beheaded, at least six nuclear scientists were killed, military bases around the capital were hit, as were the homes of military commanders. There was also damage to the main nuclear facility at Natanz. However, according to initial assessments, the nuclear program did not suffer any significant losses.
At least not to the extent that it would force Tehran to stop developing a nuclear bomb. The nuclear weapons program remains operational and is already too advanced to be stopped by a single attack. Iran is already enriching uranium to 60 percent purity, which is dangerously close to 90 percent, the limit needed to produce nuclear weapons.
NUCLEAR ARSENAL
Before these Israeli attacks, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) determined that Iran could produce enough enriched uranium for one bomb within a week. In theory, this means that within five months Tehran could have enough material for 22 nuclear bombs. However, experts emphasize that uranium alone is not enough. Creating a functional weapon requires additional technology and time. Iran’s nuclear facilities are located deep underground, protected by layers of rock and reinforced concrete. According to satellite images, an underground uranium storage facility has been built at Natanz at a depth of about 100 meters, a depth that even bunker-busting bombs would supposedly not be able to penetrate.
ATTACK ON NUCLEAR FACILITIES
A study published in the Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists examined the possibility of an attack on Iran’s nuclear program and concluded that the only way to penetrate Iran’s underground nuclear facilities would involve the use of large American bombers carrying massive 57-ton American GBU-13.2 bombs.
One reason this attack did not cause more damage to Iran’s nuclear facilities is that they are beyond the reach of most conventional bombs. But if the US joins the war, it could use B-2 stealth bombers with massive 13.6-ton armor-piercing missiles, which are designed for just this kind of attack. However, the Air Force is not currently equipped for such missions, at least not without the help of allies.
TRUMP’S BET
Donald Trump is betting on an end to hostilities in the Region. In a post published on Truth Social, the US president said that there will be peace between the two countries “soon” “thanks to my intervention”. Trump claimed his efforts for peace and announced that “many phone calls and meetings are taking place” to reach a ceasefire. And he took the opportunity to say some things openly, denouncing the lack of recognition towards him: “I do a lot and I don’t get anything recognized, but that’s okay, people understand”.
Trump also said he was “open” to the possibility of Vladimir Putin acting as a mediator in the conflict between Israel and Iran. The Russian president “is ready,” he explained: “He called me about it, we had a long conversation about it.” Trump’s statements seem to change from second to second, because before this statement, Trump has threatened to respond to any Iranian attack on the US with “the full force and power of the US armed forces.” In a post on Truth Social, the former US president said the US “had nothing to do with the attack on Iran tonight.” He wrote: “If Iran attacks us in any way, the full force and power of the US armed forces will come down on you at levels never seen before.”