US B-2 bombers were involved in strikes on Iran’s nuclear sites on Saturday, June 21, a US official told Reuters. US President Donald Trump on Saturday announced that a “very successful attack” on three nuclear sites in Iran was successfully carried out by US military.
In a post on social media platform Truth Social, Donald Trump stated, “We have completed our very successful attack on the three Nuclear sites in Iran, including Fordow, Natanz, and Esfahan. All planes are now outside of Iran air space. A full payload of BOMBS was dropped on the primary site, Fordow. All planes are safely on their way home.”
Asserting confidence that this is the time for peace and Iran would agree to end war, Donald Trump said, “I will be giving an Address to the Nation at 10:00 P.M., at the White House, regarding our very successful military operation in Iran.”
Reuters had reported earlier on Saturday the movement of B-2 bombers to the Pacific Island of Guam. These heavy strategic bombers can drop conventional and thermonuclear weapons.
This US move comes as the trade of barrage of missiles between Iran and Israel continued for the ninth straight day. It resulted in deaths and injuries in both countries.
Everything you need to know about B-2 stealth bombers
Developed by Northrop Grumman for the United States Air Force, the B-2 Spirit is a long-range, stealth strategic bomber introduced in 1997 which is vital in US military strategy and nuclear deterrence. Featuring a distinctive flying wing design and radar-absorbing materials, the B-2 stealth bombers are capable of evading detection.
Hence, this military aircraft can penetrate heavily defended enemy airspace. Operated by a two-person crew, the B-2 can fly more than 6,000 nautical miles without refuelling and are equipped to carry 30,000-pound GBU-57 Massive Ordnance Penetrator. To build one of the most advanced and expensive aircraft in the world it costs over $2 billion for one unit, TOI reported.
Designed to destroy targets deep underground, B-2 is reportedly the only in-service aircraft that can carry large air-to-surface standoff weapons in a stealth configuration.