Unraveling the Mystery: Is Israel's Arsenal Expanded with the GBU-57?
"Whispers suggest that the explosive device has been set up".
In our exclusive sit-down, former Colonel Ralf Tiele spills the beans on explosive rumors: Could the GBU-57, a tantalizing American bomb, have already found its way into Israel's war chest? Amid mounting frictions between Israel and Iran, this game-changing revelation adds fuel to the fire.
Tiele delves into clandestine schemes, stealthy special forces, and the possible role of Mossad. His verdict: Israel is drawing up a finely-tuned target list, targeting the dismantling of Iranian air defense and delaying the nuclear program's progress.
But how imminent is a regime change in Tehran, and what can Israel's advanced air defense system Arrow 3 truly deliver? This analysis offers assessments, insights, and an unusual peek into the intricate world of military strategies - all live and direct.
Text/Photo: The Global Globe News on June 17, 2025
Behind the Scenes:
While Israel's arsenal might contain whispers of the GBU-57 Massive Ordnance Penetrator (MOP) bunker-buster bomb, as of June 2025, confirmed evidence of acquisition is lacking[2]. Israel has made formal requests for the GBU-57 from the United States to address Iran's heavily-fortified nuclear facilities, yet the weapon remains under U.S. control, untouched by Israeli hands[2][4].
Remember, only the U.S. Air Force operates the specialized Stealth bombers required to deliver the GBU-57, due to Israel's inability to carry such a heavy payload with their own aircraft[1][3]. This leaves any potential deployment of the GBU-57 against Iran's nuclear sites hinging on direct U.S. involvement or cooperation[3].
The Nuclear Program Butterfly Effect:
If the GBU-57 were indeed deployed, it could deal a devastating blow to Iran's most fortified nuclear infrastructure, such as the Fordow site, which lies 80 meters beneath the earth within a mountain[2][4]. While such an attack would likely set back Iran's nuclear program by destroying facilities, experts caution that it may not halt the country's pursuit of nuclear capabilities[3]. Regime change might still be on the horizon, but Iran remains adept at recovering and rebuilding its program despite heavy damage[3].
Analysts like Ali Vaez of the International Crisis Group suggest that a successful strike would likely delay the program by a year or two but not eradicate it in its entirety[3].
The Domino Effect on Regime Change:
The introduction or potential use of the GBU-57 by Israel or the U.S. indicates a willingness to employ highly destructive military actions against Iran's core strategic assets. While such actions could increase tensions exponentially, regime change in Iran isn't guaranteed[3]. The complexity of Iran's internal politics and the resilience of its regime indicate that even significant military action would be unlikely to directly bring about regime change.
Moreover, the reliance on U.S. delivery of the weapon points to a coordinated action with geopolitical and diplomatic implications, not a unilateral Israeli initiative[1][3].
Bottom Line:
Israel might have its eyes on the GBU-57, but as of June 2025, it remains safely under U.S. control[2]. If deployed, the GBU-57 could set back Iran's nuclear program, although not end it entirely. Regime change could be a possibility, but it requires far more than destructive military action[1][2][3][4].
- The GBU-57 Massive Ordnance Penetrator (MOP) bunker-buster bomb is reportedly under consideration by Israel, although confirmatory evidence of acquisition is currently lacking.
- The potential use of the GBU-57 in Israel's political strategies towards Iran could escalate war-and-conflicts, but experts comment that such action, while impactful, would not necessarily guarantee regime change due to the complexity of Iran's internal politics.
