Potential Nuclear Threat from Iran and the Role of the B-2 Stealth Bomber

On February 6, President Masoud Pezeshkian insisted that Iran is not seeking nuclear weapons. However, skepticism abounds due to the United Nations’ reports indicating that Iran is nearing the capability to produce enough enriched uranium for several atomic bombs. National Security Advisor Mike Waltz recently received a briefing on this urgent risk from his predecessor, Jake Sullivan.

Should Iran reach a critical threshold in its nuclear development, one aircraft stands ready for the decisive call: the B-2 Spirit stealth bomber. This aircraft possesses unique capabilities that make it the only option for targeting deeply buried nuclear sites.

The Nature of Iran’s Nuclear Threat

In recent years, Iran’s terror apparatus has weakened due to targeted attacks from Israel. Nonetheless, the country’s desire for nuclear capabilities appears to have intensified. Back in 2021, Iran began enriching uranium to a purity level of 60%, a benchmark that places it among a select group of nations, none of which possesses nuclear weapons. Former Secretary of State Antony Blinken warned in August that Iran could be as little as one to two weeks away from enriching uranium to the 90% threshold needed for a nuclear weapon.

Challenges of Counteraction

The critical moment for intervention will arise if Iran assembles a nuclear bomb. However, much of Iran’s nuclear infrastructure lies underground and is heavily fortified. Rafael Grossi, the director-general of the International Atomic Energy Agency, expressed concern in December that an effective military response would require a significant deployment of forces.

In these scenarios, the B-2 would be the aircraft of choice. This remarkable bomber first saw combat during the 1999 war against Serbia and has been integral to modern military operations. With only 21 B-2s ever built, the U.S. Air Force currently operates 19 of these aircraft from Whiteman Air Force Base in Missouri.

The B-2’s Unique Design and Capabilities

My experience flying aboard the B-2 bomber was unforgettable. Its design resembles a flying wing, marked by a sweeping 172-foot wingspan. The aircraft’s stealth features are impressive: it utilizes radar-absorbent materials and aerodynamic shapes to evade enemy detection systems. Unlike conventional aircraft, the B-2 houses its engines within its structure, which further minimizes its radar signature.

The B-2 can execute lengthy missions, capable of flying for up to 48 hours. It can take off from the United States, strike targets in the Middle East, and return home with the assistance of aerial refueling tankers. These tankers can deliver fuel at astonishing rates, exceeding 1,000 gallons per minute.

Notably, the B-2 can deploy a unique weapon, the GBU-57, which weighs 30,000 pounds. This bomb is designed to penetrate deeply buried targets, utilizing advanced explosives that are less sensitive to shock. Such characteristics make the GBU-57 ideal for neutralizing fortified nuclear sites.

Strategic Military Planning

In order to successfully dismantle Iran’s nuclear weapons program, military operations must be meticulously planned. Each B-2 can be assigned multiple target points for an effective assault. Careful timing and precision are critical for penetrating thick earth and concrete structures.

Recent operations highlight this capability. In October, the B-2 bombers successfully targeted buried weapon storage locations in Yemen. The Pentagon lauded this mission as proof of the U.S. military’s ability to strike adversarial facilities that are designed to evade detection, regardless of their depth underground.

Support from Other Military Assets

In any operation against Iranian nuclear targets, the B-2 would not act alone. Other aircraft, such as F/A-18s and F-35s from aircraft carriers, as well as land-based F-35s, F-22s, and F-16s would also support the mission. Additionally, the F-15 could deliver the GBU-72 bunker-buster, previously tested by the U.S. Air Force.

Escalation of Tensions

What happens if Iran actually launches a nuclear weapon? A harrowing rehearsal occurred earlier this year in April when Iran tested medium-range ballistic missiles targeting Israel. In response, U.S. Navy destroyers, the USS Arleigh Burke and USS Carney, shot down these missiles with Standard Missile-3s, utilizing a hit-to-kill technique in the upper atmosphere.

The implications of a nuclear strike are grave. In an ideal scenario, interception of a nuclear warhead can occur mid-flight, destroying it before detonation. However, an unthinkable worst-case scenario could lead to an electromagnetic pulse that disables electronics and critical infrastructure over a vast area.

Ensuring National Security

The United States cannot afford to overlook the potential threat posed by Iran’s nuclear ambitions. The B-2 stealth bomber remains a critical asset in safeguarding national security, ensuring that Iran never acquires a functioning nuclear weapon.