Israel may need US stealth bombers to effectively attack Iran’s nuclear sites. The planned strikes would require substantial military resources and coordination. The partnership could create unprecedented military implications as Iran remains capable of quick nuclear enrichment. Continued diplomatic efforts alongside military options remain crucial amid growing tensions.
Israel would require assistance from the US if it aimed to destroy Iran’s well-fortified underground nuclear facilities. An operation of this magnitude would necessitate extensive cruise missile assaults and specialized bunker-busting ordnance. Time constraints limit the effectiveness of US and Israeli air campaigns; Iran can enrich uranium to weapon-grade capacity within weeks. The possible solutions to prevent Iran from developing nuclear weapons include re-establishing a nuclear agreement similar to the one the Trump administration withdrew from in 2018 or engaging in significant military action.
Former President Trump stated, “There are two ways Iran can be handled, militarily or you can make a deal. I would prefer to make a deal,” highlighting the urgency of the situation. Following US strikes against Iran-aligned Houthi forces in Yemen, Trump increased pressure on Iran, warning that any aggression from the Houthis would be viewed as an attack by Iran itself. In the face of these developments, Israel might consider preemptive strikes, although they would likely necessitate substantial US military support to effectively target Iran’s underground weapons-grade uranium facilities.
Military experts indicate that a successful operation would entail repeated strikes employing standoff weapons such as cruise missiles. The Northrop B-2 Spirit stealth bomber is critical for this mission due to its capacity to carry the 15-ton GBU-57 Massive Ordnance Penetrator, the most powerful non-nuclear bomb. A B-2 has previously targeted hardened sites related to Iran in Yemen. According to Ryan Bohl from the risk intelligence company RANE, “It would be a major milestone in the history of warfare should we see a joint Israeli-US strike on Iran.”
In a recent closed meeting, the United Nations Security Council discussed concerns regarding Iran’s uranium enrichment, which the US has condemned as a blatant defiance of international norms. Coinciding with these proceedings, a B-52 Stratofortress bomber conducted drills alongside Israeli F-35 and F-15 jets, continuing the trend of joint military preparations for a potential conflict with Iran. The “Juniper Oak” exercise in January 2023 illustrated this teamwork, involving advanced aircraft capabilities and extensive munitions deployment.
Israel’s fleet includes fourth-generation American fighter jets like the F-15 and F-16, as well as the advanced F-35s. However, Israel lacks heavy bombers tailored for delivering significant bunker-buster munitions essential to targeting Iran’s heavily fortified facilities like Natanz and Fordow. Significant preparation is necessary, including strikes against Iranian air defenses and missile capabilities, which would constitute a comprehensive military strategy according to Nicholas Heras at the New Lines Institute.
Previous Israeli attacks have already damaged Iran’s defenses, but a coordinated US-Israel strike could have devastating consequences. Despite Iran’s outdated air force being outmatched, limitations remain for US and Israeli air forces if a prolonged campaign is not pursued. Moreover, should such a campaign not comprehensively attack Iran’s military resources, Tehran could retaliate forcefully. Iran’s ballistic missile arsenal poses a threat to US interests and would compel Israel to expend costly missile defense resources.
Iran has had extensive time to prepare for a possible aerial assault, leading to considerations that they might endure and recover from such strikes. Bohl remarks, “Iran is able to weather the worst of it and rebuild,” due to the difficulty of completing full destruction of its uranium enrichment capabilities. A joint military operation against Iran’s nuclear program could represent an unprecedented scale of modern warfare, as noted by Nicholas Heras: “Without a doubt, a joint US-Israel military campaign against Iran’s nuclear program would be one of the largest, and certainly the most technologically advanced, in human history.”
In summary, any initiative by Israel to dismantle Iran’s nuclear capabilities would heavily rely on US military support, specifically through advanced bombing capabilities. Time constraints on potential military operations necessitate immediate action, whether through renewed diplomacy or overwhelming military force. The risks of escalation and Iran’s missile capabilities present ongoing challenges, indicating that a joint US-Israel campaign against Iran would be both complex and historically significant.
Original Source: www.businessinsider.com
