logo
Power of bunker-buster bombs Trump used on Iran revealed

Power of bunker-buster bombs Trump used on Iran revealed

Daily Mail​11 hours ago

The massive destructive power of the 30,000 pound bunker-buster bombs Donald Trump ordered to be dropped in Iran 's nuclear sites was put on full display in a newly released video. During a Pentagon press conference days after the strikes, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Dan Caine reiterated that Operation Midnight Hammer was a success.
The mission utilized over 125 planes and seven B-2 stealth bombers carrying a total of 14 bunker-buster bombs meant for Iran's mountainous Fordow uranium enrichment facilities. Trump said the site was 'obliterated' after the strike, but a leaked top secret intelligence assessment revealed that Fordow could be rebuilt in months - something the Pentagon and White House have furiously pushed back against.
To prove the mission's effectiveness, Caine played a video showing exactly how the GBU-57 'bunker-buster' bombs work. In the video, a 20-foot-long and 30,000-pound GBU-57 can be seen slamming into the roof of a cave with wicked force. Another angle shows the cave entrance and the bomb passing into the chamber before detonating in a fiery explosion.
U.S. B-2 stealth bombers dropped a total of 14 GBU-57s on Iran's Fordow nuclear enrichment facility, which is built deep under a mountain range. 'Unlike a normal surface bomb, you won't see an impact crater because they're designed to deeply bury and then function,' Caine explained. 'All six weapons at each vent at Fordow went exactly where they were intended to go,' he added.
Though the video was a test of the GBU-57, and not footage from the actual operation, Caine said it proves how satellite imagery of the site cannot fully ascertain the damage caused within the subterranean nuclear site. The explosion was so vicious that one of the B-2 pilots said it made the night sky turn into 'daylight.'
'[It was] the brightest explosion that I've ever seen,' Caine claimed the pilot said. 'It literally looked like daylight.' Dropped from the B-2s, the GBU-57s arrived on their targets traveling 1,000-feet per second, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs shared.
Similar to the plot of 'Top Gun: Maverick,' the bombs were aimed at the buried nuclear site's ventilation shafts - the most vulnerable parts of the expansive facility. Since the site had two main ventilation shafts, six bombs were dropped on each. The video was 'a culmination of over 15 years of development and testing,' Caine said.

Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Flattery will get you everywhere: The world leaders who have decided sucking up to Trump is the best way to handle him
Flattery will get you everywhere: The world leaders who have decided sucking up to Trump is the best way to handle him

Daily Mail​

time39 minutes ago

  • Daily Mail​

Flattery will get you everywhere: The world leaders who have decided sucking up to Trump is the best way to handle him

Donald Trump was in Europe for all of 24 hours this week, flying into The Hague to show his face at the NATO summit before hopping back aboard Air Force One and returning to Washington. But this very short window provided plenty of insight into how America's Western allies are approaching their interactions with the US President. The two-day event would typically see members of the transatlantic security bloc discuss a host of issues, particularly at a time when Russia 's war continues to rage in Ukraine, the Middle East is mired in turmoil and China is growing ever stronger. Instead, it was effectively watered down to a single-issue press conference in which NATO's European cohort promised to spend more on defence and thanked the US for the pleasure of doing so. If it wasn't clear enough the first time round, leaders have recognised in Trump's second term that stroking the former reality TV star and real estate mogul's ego likely constitutes the path of least resistance in their dealings with him. To be clear, a policy of knee-bending and fawnery is hardly a useful approach to conducting international diplomacy and advancing the interests of one's country. Indeed, Trump has gone on record expressing admiration for the likes of Vladimir Putin, Xi Jinping and Kim Jong Un – authoritarians and dictators whose strength has earned them respect from the Orange Don. But it seems that sucking up to the leader of the free world – at least in public – is the most efficient way to avoid his ire… or to simply get him out the door. With that in mind, here are just a few glaring examples of world leaders going out of their way to pump up the Trump. Rutte As Trump prepared to fly to the Netherlands for the NATO summit, the alliance's Secretary-General Mark Rutte sent him a flurry of fawning text messages. 'Mr President, dear Donald, Congratulations and thank you for your decisive action in Iran, that was truly extraordinary, and something no one else dared to do. It makes us all safer,' the gushing texts read. 'You are flying into another big success in The Hague this evening. It was not easy but we've got them all signed onto 5 percent! 'Donald, you have driven us to a really, really important moment for America and Europe, and the world. You will achieve something NO American president in decades could get done. 'Europe is going to pay in a BIG way, as they should, and it will be your win. Safe travels and see you at His Majesty's dinner!' Rutte signed off. We know the contents of the private messages because Trump gleefully plastered them on social media, forcing Rutte to bat down speculation that he was pandering to the President with texts that made him, and Europe, look weak. The NATO chief later suffered another gaffe during a press conference with Trump in The Hague. The US President, ranting about America's involvement in the Israel-Iran conflict, characterised the two foes as children having a squabble in the playground. 'They're not gonna be fighting each other. They've had it. Like two kids in a schoolyard - you know they fight like hell, and you can't stop them. Let them fight for about two three minutes and then it's easier to stop them,' Trump said. Rutte then quipped that 'sometimes Daddy has to use strong language', in a pointed reference to Trump's use of a forceful expletive in an interview when chastising the arch foes for breaking a ceasefire deal. A delighted Trump later told reporters Rutte had made the comment 'because he likes me'. 'He likes me, I think he likes me! If he doesn't, I'll let you know and I'll come back and I'll hit him hard OK?' 'He did it very affectionately though... 'Daddy, you're my daddy',' the president said playfully. The impression even managed to tease a laugh out of the normally stoic Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who could not contain a giggle as he stood behind Trump on the stage. The White House's press office also seized upon the opportunity to release what can only be described as a hype video, showing Trump's return to Washington set to the tune of Hey Daddy (Daddy's Home) by pop star Usher. Secretary of State Marco Rubio (right) giggles behind President Donald Trump (left) as he answered questions about being called 'daddy' by Nato Secretary General Mark Rutte during the Wednesday conference in the Hague, Netherlands Netanyahu Since Trump began his second term in the White House, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has unofficially headed the Donald Trump fan club. It wasn't always so – Netanyahu has previously infuriated Trump on several occasions, most notably in 2020 when he declared on camera that Joe Biden had won the US presidential race, despite Trump's claims the Democrats stole the election. But as Donald prepared to return to the Oval Office, Bibi was likely reciting lines praising Trump for his excellent decision-making acumen and cherished friendship. He understands Trump's maxims of 'MAGA' and 'America First' like no other, and has expressed such admiration for them that he manages to paint Israel like a plucky partner of the US, rather than a dependent. Now, Netanyahu counts the US President among his closest allies, and is no doubt cognisant that without his backing, his war on Iran and the ongoing military action in Gaza would face much greater resistance. Following the US intervention in the Israel-Iran conflict last week that saw American B-2 stealth aircraft drop the world's largest non-nuclear weapons on Iranian nuclear sites, Netanyahu delivered an address which doubled as a love letter to Trump and America. 'President Trump, your bold decision to target Iran's nuclear facilities with the awesome and righteous might of the United States will change history... America has been truly unsurpassed. It has done what no other country on earth could do.' 'History will record that President Trump acted to deny the world's most dangerous regime, the world's most dangerous weapons,' he continued. 'His leadership today has created a pivot of history that can help lead the Middle East and beyond to a future of prosperity and peace. 'President Trump and I often say peace through strength. First comes strength, then comes peace. And tonight, President Trump and the United States acted with a lot of strength.' 'President Trump, I thank you. The people of Israel thank you. The forces of civilisation thank you. 'God bless America. God bless Israel and may God bless our unshakeable alliance, our unbreakable faith.' Starmer Sir Keir had only been in power himself for four months when Trump stormed to victory in the November 2024 US presidential election and from the outset was keen to display his admiration. In fairness, he had to do some damage control. Labour deputy Angela Rayner had openly called Trump an 'absolute buffoon' who had 'no place in the White House' while Foreign Secretary David Lammy once referred to him as 'a racist KKK and Nazi sympathiser'. Since Trump's inauguration, the Prime Minister has worked to strike a careful balance, positioning the UK as a valued Atlantic intermediary, connecting North America with the EU. He has played on the so-called 'special relationship' between the UK and US, and has seemingly got along well with Trump so far. But Sir Keir has also had his fair share of moments that highlighted his eagerness to please the American leader. On his first visit to the White House to see Trump in February, Starmer was all too happy to present the US President with a letter from King Charles in the middle of a press conference. 'Am I supposed to read it now?' Trump asked flippantly. Sir Keir insisted that Trump read the letter aloud, before grasping the President's shoulder and flashing a giddy grin as he unfurled the envelope and scanned its contents. Then, earlier this month, the Prime Minister was sent scrambling at Trump's feet when the 79-year-old dropped the contents of a US-UK trade deal the pair had just inked at the G7 summit all over the floor. As Trump opened a black binder with the signed agreement inside, several papers spilled out. 'Oops, sorry about that,' Trump quipped, looking down to see the Prime Minister plucking the papers from between his legs. Moments later, Trump went on to announce he had struck the deal with the European Union, rather than the UK. Sir Keir had neither the appetite nor the heart to correct him. Macron The state of relations between Trump and French President Emmanuel Macron serves as a cautionary tale to other leaders who may be tired of sucking up to the US President and want to air their grievances in public. In their first term, the pair often appeared firm friends. Macron boasted of himself as a 'Trump whisperer' and recently said he had 'the best relations in the world' with the US President prior to 2020. Their 29-second handshake-cum-handholding session during Trump's visit to Paris for Bastille Day in 2017 is the stuff of legend, and both leaders garnered a reputation for being notably tactile with one another. Early in Trump's second term, the bromance appeared alive and well. Macron performed admirably during his visit to the White House in February, laughing at Trump's wisecracks while managing to politely and charmingly correct his American counterpart's mistakes. But relations have rapidly soured since then – a decline seemingly sparked by the outspoken Macron's willingness to challenge Trump in public and criticise his policies on the world stage. After Trump abruptly departed this month's G7 summit early, Macron tried to spin the exit as strategic, telling reporters the US might play a key role in brokering peace between Israel and Iran. But Trump, already aboard Air Force One, launched a furious riposte online. 'Wrong! He is 'publicity seeking' and always gets it wrong,' the President fumed on Truth Social. 'He has no idea why I am now on my way to Washington… Much bigger than that. Stay tuned!' Tensions only mounted further when Macron offered a rebuke of Trump's hawkish stance on Iran. As Trump called for Tehran's 'UNCONDITIONAL SURRENDER,' Macron warned that pushing for regime change would only sow 'chaos' across the Middle East. 'We do not want to see Iran acquire nuclear weapons or ballistic capabilities,' Macron said. 'But the greatest mistake today would be to pursue regime change in Iran through military means – that would lead to chaos.' 'Does anyone think what was done in Iraq in 2003 was a good idea? Or in Libya last decade? No.' When asked later about the spat, Trump couldn't resist a jab.

What you do in 10 minutes after nuclear bomb will determine if you live
What you do in 10 minutes after nuclear bomb will determine if you live

Daily Record

timean hour ago

  • Daily Record

What you do in 10 minutes after nuclear bomb will determine if you live

As tensions soar between Iran and Israel, fears of a global conflict that could tip into World War III are mounting. In response to the growing hostilities, the US has launched military strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities with hugely potent 30,000-pound bunker-buster bombs. This aggression, coupled with Israel's air operations targeting Tehran, have propelled regional tensions to a breaking point while global apprehension escalates. ‌ At the same time, Russia's ongoing conflict in Ukraine deepens as President Vladimir Putin calls in reinforcements from North Korea, reports the Mirror. ‌ In view of potential dangers, peace organisations are pinpointing non-belligerent countries that might act as havens due to their geopolitical stances and overall stability. Although no country is considered completely safe, New Zealand, Iceland and Switzerland are all developed nations believed to be least likely to be hit by nuclear weapons in the event of a potential groups also circulating guidelines to help people prepare for the worst-case scenario of a nuclear strike. To quote the International Commission on Radiological Protection (ICRP), "adequate preparation and appropriate response to a nuclear alert or detonation can protect you and your family's health and life.", reports the Mirror US. What is the first action to take in a nuclear attack? If you were not close enough to the explosion to immediately die, for survival in the critical moments following a nuclear blast, the ICRP stresses that "the best way to protect you and your family before, during, and after a nuclear blast is getting inside the center of a building or basement." After a blast, you should aim to find safe shelter within the first 10 minutes before the nuclear fallout begins. If you can get to a multi-storey building or basement swiftly after the explosion, do so without delay. The safest structures are made of brick or concrete. Underground car parks and tube stations also provide good protection. ‌ What happens if I've been exposed to fallout? If you suspect you've been exposed to fallout, take off outer layers of clothing and shoes that may be contaminated, and cleanse or wipe down exposed skin and hair thoroughly. If you have pets that might be contaminated, brush them in a separate room away from people and wash them too if possible. How will I know what is happening in the outside world? The ICRP also advises that within 24 hours post-detonation, tune into any accessible media, such as AM/FM stations using a battery-powered radio, for instructions on what to do next. "Stay inside unless instructed otherwise," the website states. ‌ They advise: "Remain in the most protective location (basement or centre of a large building) for the first 12 – 24 hours unless threatened by an immediate hazard (e.g., fire, gas leak, building collapse, or serious injury) or informed by authorities that it is safe to leave." Should I flee the fallout zone? Self-evacuation should only become an option once hazardous fallout zones are clearly identified and secure evacuation routes are established. In the meantime, essential workers may be allowed to leave shelter temporarily to carry out vital support and life-saving tasks. What is a nuclear explosion actually like? Knowing the dangers of a nuclear explosion can help to guide you to take swift and sensible actions for your safety. A bright flash that can be seen from 10 km away is a sign of a nuclear blast. Straight after, a fireball emits thermal pulses lasting seconds, leading to burns, injuries, and setting materials like plants and wood on fire several kilometres away from the explosion. The fireball and shock wave can wipe out city blocks and damage buildings kilometres away, with flying debris posing risks. Initial radiation may injure or kill those outdoors within a few kilometres.

US and China sign trade agreement, Donald Trump says
US and China sign trade agreement, Donald Trump says

Western Telegraph

timean hour ago

  • Western Telegraph

US and China sign trade agreement, Donald Trump says

Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick told Bloomberg TV that the deal was signed earlier this week. Neither Mr Lutnick nor Mr Trump provided any details about the agreement. 'We just signed with China the other day,' Mr Trump said late on Thursday. Mr Lutnick said the deal was 'signed and sealed' two days earlier. It follows initial talks in Geneva in early May that led both sides to postpone massive tariff hikes that were threatening to freeze much trade between the two countries. Later talks in London set a framework for negotiations and the deal mentioned by Mr Trump appeared to formalise that agreement. Mr Lutnick said: 'The president likes to close these deals himself. He's the dealmaker. We're going to have deal after deal.' China has not confirmed any new agreements, but it announced earlier this week that it was speeding up approvals of exports of rare earths, materials used in high-tech products such as electric vehicles. Beijing's limits on exports of rare earths have been a key point of contention. The Chinese Commerce Ministry said on Thursday that Beijing was accelerating a review of export licence applications for rare earths and had approved 'a certain number of compliant applications'.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store