Fordow, the Sacred Mountain of Iranian Nuclear: GBU or Special Forces?

Fordow, the "sacred mountain" of Iranian nuclear, is one of the most protected facilities in the world. Located 90-100 meters below the surface, this underground base is designed to withstand any conventional attack. With the Iranian nuclear program continuously evolving, the Fordow site has become a primary target for Israel and the United States, but destroying it is not at all simple. The options available range from air bombings with penetrating ordnance like the GBU-57 to the possibility of interventions by special forces. However, neither option is without risks and uncertainties.

Fordow: An Underground Fortress

Built in a mountainous area, Fordow is the heart of the Iranian nuclear program, hosting numerous centrifuges for uranium enrichment. The latest satellite images show only minor damage, confirming the site's resistance to a direct attack. The structure is protected by layers of concrete and earth material, creating a barrier difficult to overcome. A report from the British RUSI confirms that the depth of Fordow makes it impossible to easily penetrate the site, even with the most sophisticated bunker-busting bombs. Israel, although possessing powerful ordnance, does not have the GBU-57 bombs, the only ones capable of damaging underground structures at such depth.

The GBU-57: The Only Weapon in the USA's Possession

The GBU-57 is a 14-ton super bomb developed by the Pentagon in the 2000s to tackle situations like Fordow. Capable of penetrating up to 60 meters of concrete and similar materials, the bomb was designed to damage the most resistant underground bunkers. However, the GBU-57 can only be carried by one aircraft: the B-2 Spirit bomber. This aircraft, known for its radar-evading capability, represents the only option to launch an attack with the GBU-57. Even though the United States possesses this bomb, bombing operations are extremely complicated and do not guarantee success. The defenses of Fordow, along with the lack of precise data on the exact location of the centrifuges, leave room for doubt about the final outcome.

The Intervention of Special Forces: A Possible Alternative?

The idea of a special forces intervention has been considered on several occasions. According to some reports, the IDF (Israel Defense Forces) might attempt a sabotage or infiltration operation, but this entails enormous risks. Months ago, a reconstruction by the New York Times suggested that an attack on Fordow could be preceded by an air bombing, followed by an intervention by Israeli special forces. The recent incursion of Israeli commandos in Syria, at the underground missile factory in Maysaf, has been seen by some analysts as a test for a similar operation against Fordow.

The Iranian Resistance and the Risk of Escalation

However, as emphasized by General Marco Bertolini, former Commander of the Brigata Paracadutisti Folgore, infiltrating such a well-protected site would require not only an air attack but also the help of a "mole," an internal infiltration providing crucial information for the success of the operation. Without this figure, every attempt would be doomed to fail. The Israeli special forces, although among the most experienced in the world, might not succeed in overcoming Fordow's defenses without the support of precise data.

Iran, for its part, continues to strengthen its defense, especially with the deployment of advanced missiles, including hypersonic ones, which pose a direct threat to Israel. Iranian forces have also increased the number of soldiers and defense units near Fordow, making any incursion even more dangerous.

Israel, although having carried out numerous successful raids, such as those against Hezbollah and Iranian leaders in Syria, has never faced a challenge of this magnitude. An attack on Fordow, although potentially devastating, could also trigger a chain reaction of political and military repercussions that would engulf the entire Middle East. The escalation into a large-scale war, which could involve not only Israel and Iran but also the United States, remains a concrete possibility.

Conclusion

The options to destroy the Fordow nuclear site are limited and complex. The GBU-57 bombs, although extremely powerful, do not guarantee success due to the sophisticated defenses and the depth of the structure. An intervention by special forces could be a solution, but only with the help of internal infiltrations, an operation that remains high-risk. With Iran's growing military potential and uncertainty about future moves, Fordow remains one of the most difficult and delicate challenges for international security.