Additional Coverage:
A national security expert doubts the effectiveness of a potential US attack on a key Iranian nuclear facility. Joe Cirincione, a long-time researcher of nuclear proliferation, told ABC News that while an attack on Iran’s enrichment program could hinder its nuclear weapons capabilities, it wouldn’t eliminate them.
The heavily fortified Fordo nuclear enrichment facility, buried deep within a mountain, presents a formidable target. While the US military possesses the GBU-57 Massive Ordnance Penetrator, a powerful “bunker buster” bomb, its effectiveness against Fordo remains uncertain.
The bomb, though tested, has never been used in combat, and the exact nature of the facility’s defenses is unknown. Cirincione expressed skepticism, stating that even this powerful weapon likely couldn’t penetrate the facility’s defenses.
He suggested multiple strikes would be necessary to even damage part of the site.
Furthermore, Cirincione pointed out that Iran possesses the expertise and resources to quickly restart its program elsewhere, even if Fordo were damaged. He emphasized that a military solution alone wouldn’t disarm Iran.
Recent events have heightened tensions. The International Atomic Energy Agency issued a resolution citing Iran’s breach of non-proliferation agreements.
Israeli forces subsequently attacked Iranian targets following Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s claim that Iran could quickly produce a nuclear weapon. Iran denies these allegations.
Amid this escalating situation, White House spokeswoman Karoline Leavitt stated that President Trump will decide on a course of action regarding Iran within two weeks. Cirincione argues that the only viable long-term solution is a negotiated agreement with Iran to roll back its nuclear capabilities.