Buried Deep and Built to Survive, Iran’s Fordo Site Poses Challenge Only U.S. Bombs Could Meet
TEHRAN, Iran — Tucked beneath the mountains near Qom, south of Tehran, lies Iran’s heavily fortified Fordo nuclear facility. Believed to be between 80 and 90 meters underground, it is the most protected site in the country’s nuclear program and unreachable by Israeli weapons.
As Israel ramps up its military campaign against Iran, attention has shifted to Fordo, a site that remains physically untouched despite waves of airstrikes. Analysts say only one weapon in the world stands a chance at destroying it: the U.S.-made GBU-57 Massive Ordnance Penetrator (MOP), a 30,000-pound bomb designed to blast through thick concrete and deep earth.
What Is Fordo, and Why Does It Matter?
Fordo, an enrichment plant located about 60 miles south of Iran’s capital, is one of two main uranium enrichment sites operated by Tehran. Originally a tunnel complex used by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, it was revealed to international monitors in 2009 following pressure from Western intelligence.
The site is designed to endure a military assault. Satellite imagery reveals a ring of fencing, a single security checkpoint, six known entrance tunnels, and a large surface support building. The tunnels house centrifuges used to enrich uranium the material needed for both civilian energy and potential nuclear weapons.
Iran maintains the site is for peaceful purposes. Israel, however, views it as a strategic threat and has called for its elimination.
How Deep Is Too Deep?
The challenge lies in Fordo’s depth. Israeli bombs, even its most powerful bunker-penetrating munitions, are believed to reach depths of up to 10 meters. Fordo is buried nearly 90 meters below the surface, far beyond that range.
The U.S. GBU-57 is different. It can penetrate up to 61 meters of earth or 18 meters of reinforced concrete before detonating. Its casing is engineered for extreme impact, allowing it to break through hardened bunkers from high altitude. Even so, experts caution that there is no guarantee the MOP would reach the centrifuges inside Fordo.
“The likelihood of success depends on the level of reinforcement used in the tunnel walls,” said Vice-Admiral Mark Mellett. “Iran would know the weapon’s capabilities. Whether Fordo can survive it depends on how well it was built to absorb the shock.”
Signs the U.S. May Be Preparing for a Strike
In early April, six B-2 Spirit stealth bombers capable of carrying the MOP were seen at Diego Garcia, a U.S. military base in the Indian Ocean roughly 2,300 miles from Iran. Although more recent satellite images have not confirmed their presence, experts say the deployment indicated possible strike planning.
Air Marshal Greg Bagwell, speaking to military analysts, explained that a small number of B-2 missions from Diego Garcia could be enough to breach Fordo. “This isn’t a sustained bombing campaign,” he said. “It may only take one or two hits with these bombs to create the breach needed.”
Meanwhile, at least 30 U.S. military tanker aircraft have been moved to Europe, providing in-air refueling capabilities for long-range missions. Fighter jets, including F-16s, F-22s, and F-35s, have been positioned at forward bases in the region.
Trump: “I May Do It, I May Not”
President Donald Trump addressed the situation during a press briefing Wednesday. Asked whether the U.S. would join Israel in launching strikes against Iran, Trump gave a noncommittal response: “I may do it, I may not do it. Nobody knows what I’m going to do.”
He added that his patience with Tehran “had already run out,” referencing Iran’s role in missile attacks targeting Israeli cities.
Although the U.S. has assisted in intercepting Iranian missile launches in coordination with Israeli forces, it has not yet taken direct military action against Iranian targets. Analysts say recent U.S. troop and aircraft movements suggest that Washington is preparing for possible escalation.
Strategic Stakes Rising
The Fordo site remains intact for now. But its very existence has become central to the growing military and diplomatic crisis between Israel, Iran, and the United States. Any strike against it would mark a significant shift in the scope of the conflict.
Iran’s leaders have warned of severe consequences if the U.S. becomes directly involved. Israel continues to signal its intent to eliminate nuclear threats inside Iran, with or without international support.
As the White House weighs its next move, Fordo has become more than a nuclear site. It is now the focal point of a confrontation that could reshape the region’s balance of power.
