Trump Weighs Bunker-Buster Strike on Iran’s Nuke Site/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ President Trump is questioning whether a U.S. bunker-buster strike could truly destroy Iran’s fortified Fordow nuclear site. As tension escalates with Tehran, Trump is evaluating if such a strike is necessary, effective, and worth the risk of a wider Middle East war.
Trump’s Iran Strike Deliberation + Quick Looks:
- Trump asks if U.S. bunker-buster bombs can destroy Fordow.
- Strike would target Iran’s underground uranium enrichment facility.
- Pentagon says the strike could work, but Trump skeptical.
- U.S. mulls joining Israel’s campaign, though Trump unsure.
- Iran warns U.S. against entering conflict; diplomacy still open.
- Israel considers alternative plans, including elite commando operation.
- Trump keeping decision ambiguous to pressure Iran into talks.
- EU, UK, France to meet Iran’s FM in Geneva.
Trump Weighs Bunker-Buster Strike on Iran’s Nuke Site
Deep Look
President Donald Trump is intensifying scrutiny of military options as he weighs whether to launch a bunker-buster strike against Iran’s Fordow nuclear facility, U.S. officials said Wednesday. His primary concern: will it actually work — and is it worth the risk?
At the core of Trump’s deliberations is the question of whether the U.S. military’s Massive Ordnance Penetrator (MOP) can penetrate and destroy Fordow, Iran’s most heavily fortified underground uranium enrichment site.
“We have the capability. But there’s an entire plan,” a senior official said. “It’s not just drop a bunker buster and declare victory.”
While Pentagon officials have expressed confidence in the bomb’s effectiveness, Trump remains unconvinced. The weapon has never been used in combat.
“We’re not convinced yet that we’re necessary,” one U.S. official said. “The president wants to be unnecessary — but he’s not there yet.”
Fordow is Israel’s top target in the ongoing war with Iran. However, the Israeli military lacks both the B-2 bombers and 30,000-pound MOPs needed to reach the facility buried deep into a mountain. Trump, when asked directly, said:
“We are the only ones who have the capability… but that doesn’t mean I’m going to do it.”
As Trump holds repeated Situation Room meetings with top national security aides, including one on Wednesday, he’s also weighing diplomatic efforts. His special envoy, Steve Witkoff, remains in contact with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi. “Let’s talk… Hope springs eternal,” one official quoted Witkoff as saying, though Iran’s responsiveness has been inconsistent.
Trump’s approach reflects a broader strategy of strategic ambiguity. “I have ideas,” he said. “But I like to take the decision at the last second.”
Meanwhile, European diplomats are moving to engage. Foreign ministers from France, Germany, and the U.K., along with the EU’s foreign policy chief, are scheduled to meet Araghchi in Geneva on Friday. EU officials also briefed U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio on their efforts.
Still, Israel is prepared to go it alone if needed. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Ambassador Yechiel Leiter have hinted at non-airstrike options, including elite commando raids. Israel recently executed a similar mission in Syria and now controls Iranian airspace, making such operations more feasible.
Israeli officials told Washington that, if necessary, “they may do it with humans” — referring to special forces capable of reaching Fordow’s depths.
Iran, for its part, has issued stern warnings. Its Revolutionary Guard declared that direct U.S. involvement would expand the war regionally and deliver “irreparable blows.” Tehran’s mission to the UN doubled down, stating it would “NOT negotiate under duress” and mocking calls from “a has-been warmonger,” in an apparent jab at Netanyahu.
Despite mounting pressure, Trump continues to seek a clear-cut endgame: “no nuke.” Officials stress that military action must be effective, limited, and not drag the U.S. into a prolonged Middle East war.
“The president’s patience is running thin,” one official said. “The clock is ticking for Iran, and all options remain on the table.”
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