FLASH
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The US president ordered the dropping of GBU-57 bombs on the Fordow complex: "We have wiped it off the face of the earth."
It all started 37 hours ago, when a B-2 formation took off from Witheman Air Force Base in Missouri, USA, and headed for Guam, in the Pacific Ocean. According to sources, this was a transfer for defense reasons. However, many suspected that the real destination was Iran, and that is what happened.
The B-2, the US strategic bomber, dropped 12 GBU-57 bombs – 14-ton super bombs. Ten of them hit Fordow, one of Iran’s most important nuclear facilities, and two more were dropped on Natanz, another key center of the country’s nuclear program. In addition, a payload of 30 cruise missiles launched by the US Navy hit Isfahan, another hub of the Iranian nuclear network.
The B-2 attack was accompanied by parallel actions by other aircraft, such as EA-18 Growler electronic warfare and F-35 and F-22 fighter jets. The US also used the corridors opened by Israeli offensives that had previously weakened Iran's air defenses.
According to an unofficial version, these were the stages of the attack:
June 22, 1:14 AM – The presence of fighter jets is reported over Shiraz, minutes before the possible appearance of drones in several areas of Iran.
1:22 – More aircraft have been identified in the central region of Iran.
2:04 – Powerful explosions in the Fordow region are extinguished after the aircraft pass.
2:13 – More explosions in Kashan, near Fordow.
2:29 – NASA's Fire Information System records a "fire" report in the Fordow area.
2:35 – Witnesses report fire and explosions near Mathab Welfare Complex.
2:38 – Another attack on the mountain complex, where a column of smoke has been spotted.
2:59 – Second "fire" recording from FIRMS, also near Fordow.
2:41 – Attack on Isfahan plant.
2:46 – Witnesses speak of powerful explosions at Natanz.
2:55 – Jamming activity to destroy GPS throughout Iran.
According to analysis, the attack confirms the rumored scenarios of using special weapons to hit the Fordow complex, which is a key facility for Iran's nuclear centrifuges.
The GBU-57 bomb was developed in the early 2000s to strike wealthy, heavily defended states like North Korea and Iran. It has been modified to increase its destructive power, with innovations that have not yet been made public for security reasons. This bomb can penetrate the protective "bending" of a structure and then explode inside it to spread the devastating effects.
A New York Times article revealed that the US military has conducted numerous exercises, which have confirmed that several B-2s are needed to deliver these bombs – each can carry two bombs and the releases are done in a synchronized manner.
President Donald Trump said the Fordow complex was "wiped off the face of the earth" after the attack, while Tehran has claimed that the damage was minimal. Suspicions have also been raised about Iranian movements between June 19 and 20. Satellite images have revealed the presence of numerous excavators and trucks at the entrance to Fordow, Isfahan and Natanz - a movement that could mean attempts to hide or transport important materials.
More is expected to be known in the coming hours about the results of the attack, although the Fordow structure is underground and it is difficult to assess the damage. Some experts also raise doubts about the effectiveness of cruise missiles on solid objects, but perhaps the White House used this type of weapon to send a message that the action was limited and targeted.
Fordow, Natanz and Isfahan are key centers of Iran's nuclear program and the latest attack has great importance for the future developments of the conflict./ Adapted from "Pamphlet" by "Corriere della Sera"
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