Pentagon: Nuke Needed for Iran Site

Senior Pentagon officials are now warning that destroying Iran’s deeply buried Fordow uranium enrichment facility may exceed the capabilities of conventional weapons. While the GBU‑57 “bunker‑buster” is the most powerful non-nuclear munition in the U.S. arsenal, assessments show it might only collapse tunnel ceilings or delay operations by months, rather than fully eliminate the site. Internal evaluations suggest that only a tactical nuclear weapon would guarantee Fordow’s total destruction, marking a striking shift in military planning.

Amid these concerns, President Trump has delayed any decision to proceed, citing uncertainty over whether the bunker-buster could guarantee success. A decision on U.S. military involvement is expected within the next two weeks, but no nuclear options have been formally presented to him, and he is “not actively considering them,” according to The Guardian.

However, Fox News’ Senior White House correspondent Jacqui Heinrich reports that a top official told her “none of the options are off the table,” suggesting that a nuclear strike, while not formally proposed, remains within the realm of possibility. The juxtaposition of deeply buried nuclear infrastructure and anticipation of a decision deadline underscores a tense strategic crossroads for American policy toward Iran.

Sources:

Guardian

Al Mayadeen

Ethno-Geopolitical Perspective Questions

1. How might the threat or use of a tactical nuclear weapon against Iran affect perceptions of Western double standards in nuclear policy?
2. How does the IAEA’s confirmation that Iran is not building a bomb challenge the narrative justifying extreme military measures, including nuclear options?
3. What impact could a U.S. nuclear strike on Iran have?