This is how the B-2 Spirit bombers that the United States used to attack Iran are

In the early hours of Sunday, June 22, 2025, around 2:30 a.m. local time in Iran (IRST) —equivalent to 7:00 p.m. on Saturday, June 21, on the East Coast of the United States (EDT)—, the United States launched a simultaneous airstrike against three key facilities of the Iranian nuclear program: Fordo, Natanz, and Isfahan. The Fordo plant, located under a mountain near Qom, was the primary target due to its fortified nature. Natanz, situated in the central part of the country, is considered Iran's main uranium enrichment facility. Isfahan, on the other hand, houses a technology center with laboratories and research reactors.

According to U.S. official sources, the three targets were destroyed in what was described as a "successful" operation. Iran acknowledged impacts on the facilities but claimed they had been evacuated beforehand, avoiding casualties or radioactive contamination. Nonetheless, satellite images and Western intelligence reports suggest that Fordo sustained significant structural damage, which would represent a considerable setback for Iran's nuclear program.

Composition of the military operation

The operation combined the use of strategic bombers and cruise missiles. The United States Air Force deployed six B-2 Spirit stealth bombers, each equipped with GBU-57A/B Massive Ordnance Penetrator bunker buster bombs, designed to destroy deeply buried structures. Between five and six of these bombs were reportedly dropped on Fordo. At least two were used on Natanz. At the same time, U.S. naval units fired over thirty Tomahawk missiles from submarines and destroyers in the Persian Gulf and the Arabian Sea, hitting surface targets in Natanz and Isfahan.

This combination of weapons allowed for the destruction of both underground facilities and exterior structures, including laboratories, defense systems, and support buildings.

Logistics and Range of the B-2

The B-2s took off from Whiteman Air Force Base in Missouri and executed a meticulously planned route to maintain the element of surprise. Part of the squadron simulated heading toward the Pacific before turning east and crossing the Atlantic toward Iran. During the journey, they were refueled in flight by KC-135 tanker aircraft. The B-2's range, which extends up to 18,500 kilometers with refueling, allowed them to cover the distance without any stops. The entire mission lasted between 36 and 38 hours, including the return to their home base.

Coordination with allied forces

The operation involved close coordination between the United States and Israel. U.S. sources indicated that Israel participated in the planning and preliminary phase through airstrikes that degraded Iranian air defenses. This offensive facilitated the entry of B-2s into Iranian airspace undetected. Additionally, the United States had deployed additional forces in the region, including F-16, F-22, and F-35 fighters, along with the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz, with the aim of providing deterrent coverage and immediate response capability.

Geopolitical Background and Consequences

The attack occurred in the context of escalating tensions between Israel and Iran. On June 13, Israel had launched a series of bombings against Iranian targets, citing an imminent nuclear threat. Iran responded with ballistic missiles and drones aimed at Israeli territory. The United States, initially limited to defensive support, altered its position in response to intelligence reports indicating that Iran might be accelerating the development of a nuclear weapon.

After announcing an ultimatum, President Donald Trump authorized the preventive strike, arguing that it was the only way to prevent Iran from becoming a nuclear power and to ensure Israel's security. According to Trump, if Iran does not dismantle its nuclear program, the United States will continue to impose harsher measures.

International reaction

Iran described the bombing as a violation of international law and assured that its nuclear program will not be interrupted. In response, it launched new missiles at Israel and warned that U.S. bases in the region could become targets. Although it claimed that there were no fatalities or radioactive leaks, the confrontation has increased the risk of regional war.

International organizations such as the UN expressed their alarm at the escalation. Several Latin American governments, including Chile, Colombia, and Mexico, condemned the use of force and called for the reactivation of dialogue. In Europe, United Kingdom supported the need to prevent Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons, while France and Germany expressed concern over the situation. Russia and China strongly condemned the attack and described it as a violation of Iranian sovereignty.

The B-2 Spirit: characteristics and capabilities

The B-2 Spirit is a long-range strategic bomber with a flying wing design and stealth technology. It can carry up to 18 tons of ordnance in its internal bays, including conventional, nuclear, and bunker-busting bombs. Its speed is subsonic (Mach 0.95) and its operating altitude exceeds 15,000 meters.

Thanks to its low observability design, it can penetrate advanced defense systems without being detected. Its missions are often conducted under complete stealth conditions, utilizing GPS navigation and electro-optical sensors. The B-2 can operate from the continental United States to any point on the planet with in-flight refueling.

Operational impact

The attack on Iran demonstrated the B-2's capability to carry out precision missions against fortified targets at great distances. The combination of stealth, autonomy, and firepower makes it an essential component of U.S. air power. Although it will eventually be replaced by the B-21 Raider, the B-2 remains one of the world's most advanced strategic platforms.

Frequently Asked Questions About the U.S. Attack on Nuclear Facilities in Iran