Iran Says Unexploded US Bombs Remain at Nuclear Sites, Posing Safety Risks
TEHRAN : Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has stated that some of the bombs used during US strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities in June 2025 failed to detonate and remain lodged at the sites, posing serious safety risks for inspectors.
According to Araghchi, the unexploded munitions are still present inside the targeted nuclear installations, creating hazardous conditions that prevent inspection activities. Iran has made it clear that inspections will not be possible until comprehensive safety, security, and access protocols are agreed upon.
The United States carried out airstrikes last year on three key Iranian nuclear facilities located at Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan. These sites are regarded as central to Iran’s uranium enrichment and nuclear technology programme.
During the attacks, the US Air Force deployed B‑2 strategic bomber aircraft to drop heavy GBU‑57 Massive Ordnance Penetrator bombs, each weighing approximately 13,600 kilograms. These bunker‑busting weapons are designed to penetrate deep layers of rock and reinforced concrete before detonation. In addition to the air‑dropped bombs, Tomahawk cruise missiles were launched at targets linked to Iran’s nuclear infrastructure.
Experts note that if the unexploded munitions referenced by the Iranian foreign minister include GBU‑57 bombs and are successfully recovered and neutralised, Iran could gain an opportunity to conduct technical analysis of the advanced bunker‑buster weapon. Such an examination could allow assessment of the bomb’s casing thickness and metal composition, which enable it to penetrate deep underground without breaking apart.
Furthermore, if the internal systems of the bomb remain intact, inspection of its electronic components, power systems, and navigation sensors may also be possible, potentially providing valuable technical insights.
#Iran #UnitedStates #NuclearFacilities #AbbasAraghchi #GBU57 #BunkerBuster #USAirstrikes #NuclearSafety #diplomatsWorld
