Israel Seeks US Help to Destroy Iran’s Fordow Nuclear Site

Israel has intensified military strikes against Iran's nuclear facilities but lacks the specialized bunker-busting capability required to destroy the deeply buried Fordow Fuel Enrichment Plant, located within a mountain near Qom. Consequently, Israeli officials have formally requested U.S. military assistance to target Fordow, which is critical to Iran's nuclear program and difficult to damage via conventional airstrikes. While President Donald Trump has reportedly signaled some willingness to support the operation, the U.S. administration has so far refrained from direct involvement, expressing concern that engagement could escalate into a broader war with Iran and emphasizing a preference for diplomatic resolution. The United States possesses the Massive Ordnance Penetrator, a large bunker-buster bomb capable of destroying hardened underground sites like Fordow, which Israel does not own. Meanwhile, Iran has relocated enriched uranium stocks to undisclosed locations, breaching its obligations under the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty and raising concerns about a potential nuclear weapons breakout. Israel is also seeking broader international support for defensive measures against Iranian missile and drone attacks, with the United Kingdom agreeing to participate and France still deliberating.