Israel Facing Bunker Bomb Shortage:As the Israel-Iran conflict intensifies, a major military limitation is coming to light—Israel lacks the bunker-buster bombs needed to destroy Iran’s underground Fordo nuclear facility. With the site buried deep in a mountain, Israel has asked the US for help, but the Trump administration is hesitant to join the war directly. Amid global concern and growing threats from Iran, a possible diplomatic opening emerges. This blog explores the unfolding crisis, Israel’s strategic challenge, US hesitation, UK involvement, and the high-stakes tension across West Asia.
Israel Facing Bunker Bomb Shortage
As the Iran-Israel conflict intensifies with a relentless barrage of missile exchanges, global anxiety deepens over how far this confrontation will escalate. A recent report by Axios reveals that Israeli officials have requested the United States, under President Donald Trump’s administration, to join its military campaign against Iran. The goal: to decisively neutralize Iran’s nuclear program, particularly the highly fortified Fordo enrichment site.
The Fordo facility is carved deep within a mountain, making it almost impenetrable without bunker-buster bombs and long-range bomber aircraft—capabilities that Israel lacks. This is why Israel is seeking American military support. The Israeli ambassador to the US has openly stated that the mission’s success hinges on the complete elimination of the Fordo site. So far, Israel’s airstrikes have inflicted only limited damage, raising fears that Fordo may remain operational even after a full-scale Israeli assault.
While President Trump has issued stern warnings to Iran, vowing devastating retaliation if the US is attacked, he has been firm in distancing Washington from Israel’s operations. Trump’s administration has made it clear that the United States has not participated in the offensive strikes on Tehran’s nuclear and intelligence infrastructure. However, Trump emphasized that the US remains committed to defending its interests and allies in the region.
President Trump Says:
The U.S. had nothing to do with the attack on Iran, tonight. If we are attacked in any way, shape or form by Iran, the full strength and might of the U.S. Armed Forces will come down on you at levels never seen before. However, we can easily get a deal done between Iran and Israel, and end this bloody conflict!!!
In a significant development, UK Prime Minister Starmer announced the deployment of British fighter jets and other military assets to West Asia as the situation worsens. The UK’s move is being described as “contingency support” amid fears that the conflict could spiral into a regional war. Kama confirmed he had spoken with both President Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, signaling that international coordination is underway.
Iran, however, has issued a stark warning. Through its state media, Tehran has declared that any nation aiding Israel in repelling Iranian attacks would be considered a legitimate target. This warning extends not only to the United States and the United Kingdom but also to France, which recently voiced support for Israel’s right to defend itself.
Despite these threats, there has been a notable shift in tone from Iran. Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi stated that Iran would halt its retaliatory strikes if Israel stops its attacks. He also indicated that Tehran is open to a new nuclear deal that would ensure Iran cannot develop atomic weapons.
This opening for diplomacy was further explored in a discussion with Joashim Bitelich, former German ambassador to NATO and European security advisor. Bitelich noted that this may be a rare moment for meaningful negotiations between the United States and Iran. He pointed out that recent reports by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) suggest Iran has accumulated enough nuclear material to build approximately 15 bombs—a figure that has deeply alarmed Israeli officials, who see this as an existential threat.
According to Bitelich, Israel’s decision to strike may have been prompted by a perceived final opportunity to prevent Iran from developing nuclear weapons. The preemptive strikes occurred even as diplomatic talks were ongoing between Iran and the US. There is speculation that Israel saw these talks as ineffective or too slow, especially given the grave implications outlined in the IAEA report.
The Israeli military has so far refrained from launching a full-scale strike on Fordo, possibly due to the risk of nuclear contamination and the absence of critical military tools. While Israel possesses some bunker-penetrating weapons, experts believe they may not be enough to destroy a facility as fortified as Fordo.
Bitelich suggested that, given the rising risk of widespread regional conflict, the time might be ripe for renewed, serious negotiations. He believes the US is determined to avoid being dragged into another war in the Middle East and is currently only assisting Israel in defensive capacities, such as intelligence and satellite support.
Yet, the possibility remains that failed negotiations could push the US into deeper involvement, especially if Iran retaliates against American forces or assets. For now, the world watches closely as diplomacy and war sit on a knife’s edge, with one of the most volatile regions in the world teetering toward a broader conflict.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute investment, political, or military advice. Events are unfolding rapidly and the geopolitical landscape may change at any moment.