US bomb designed to hit targets like Iran underground nuclear sites briefly reappears amid tensions

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates - As tensions with Iran have escalated over its nuclear program, the U.S. military this month posted pictures of a powerful bomb designed to penetrate deep into the earth and destroy underground facilities that could be used to enrich uranium.

The U.S. Air Force on May 2 released rare images of the weapon, the GBU-57, known as the ''Massive Ordnance Penetrator.'' Then it took the photos down - apparently because the photographs revealed sensitive details about the weapon's composition and punch.

The publication of the photographs comes as The Associated Press reported that Iran is making steady progress in constructing a nuclear facility that is likely beyond the range of the GBU-57, which is considered the U.S. military last-ditch weapon to take out underground bunkers.

https://www.startribune.com/us-bomb-designed-to-hit-targets-like-iran-underground-nuclear-sites-briefly-reappears-amid-tensions/600276758/