US May Use 'Bunker Buster' or Provide Air Support to Israel
Iran Could Respond with Missiles and Mines in the Strait of Hormuz
As the likelihood of U.S. involvement in the war between Israel and Iran increases, concerns about escalation are growing within the U.S. government. The New York Times (NYT) reported on the 17th (local time) that Iran is believed to have begun preparations for retaliation, including potential attacks on U.S. military bases located in the Middle East.
The NYT analyzed that if the United States were to intervene militarily, it would likely use the Massive Ordnance Penetrator (MOP), a bunker-buster bomb designed for aerial deployment, loaded onto a B-2 stealth strategic bomber to strike the underground nuclear facility at Fordow. Alternatively, the U.S. could provide aerial support to Israeli special forces entering Iran from the ground.
The deployment of approximately 30 U.S. aerial refueling aircraft to Europe supports these speculations. These aerial refueling aircraft could be used to support fighter jets defending U.S. bases or to extend the operational range of bombers in the event of an attack on Iranian nuclear facilities.
After reviewing intelligence reports, U.S. officials have found that Iran has prepared missiles and other military equipment to attack U.S. military bases in the Middle East should the United States enter the conflict.
Iranian government officials have also acknowledged the possibility of retaliatory attacks. Two Iranian officials stated that if the United States joins Israel, Iran will begin by attacking U.S. military bases in Iraq and will target all U.S. military bases throughout the Arab world.
The previous day, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi issued a statement saying, "Our enemies must understand that a military attack against us will not provide a solution, and they cannot impose their will on the Iranian people." According to the Iranian Foreign Ministry, Minister Araghchi told European foreign ministers in phone calls that Israel and its major supporters would have to bear responsibility if the war escalates.
U.S. officials believe that, since Iran possesses missile bases positioned to easily target U.S. military bases in the Middle East, extensive preparation for retaliatory attacks may not be necessary. The United States has deployed more than 40,000 troops in the Middle East. Military bases across the region, including in the United Arab Emirates, Jordan, and Saudi Arabia, have entered a "high alert" status.
Other officials stated that Iran could lay mines in the Strait of Hormuz to restrict the movement of U.S. Navy vessels in the Persian Gulf. They also added that there is a high likelihood that Houthi rebels could resume attacks on ships in the Red Sea, or that pro-Iranian militias in Iraq and Syria could attack U.S. military bases in those regions.
In recent years, Iran and its allied groups have repeatedly attempted to attack U.S. naval vessels. In January 2024, a militia supported by Iran used drones to attack a U.S. military base near the Syrian border in Jordan, resulting in the deaths of three U.S. service members.
Meanwhile, on this day, President Trump wrote on his social networking service (SNS), Truth Social, "We know exactly where the so-called 'Supreme Leader' is hiding. He is an easy target, but he will be safe there. At least for now, we will not remove (kill!) him." In another post, he urged, "Surrender unconditionally."
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