The United States initiated a significant military operation aimed at Iran's nuclear program. On June 21, 2025, the US Navy's guided-missile submarine USS Georgia (SSGN 729) launched 30 Tomahawk Land Attack Missiles (TLAM) at Iran's key nuclear sites, Natanz and Isfahan.
Simultaneously, a B-2 Spirit stealth bomber dropped two GBU-57 Massive Ordnance Penetrator (MOP) bombs on Natanz, aimed at curtailing Iran's nuclear ambitions and ensuring Israel's security.
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USS Georgia: America's Lethal Submarine
The USS Georgia (SSGN 729) is an Ohio-class guided-missile submarine, engineered for precise and long-range strikes by the US Navy. This submarine can carry 154 Tomahawk cruise missiles, making it one of the most lethal maritime weapon systems globally. Its stealth technology allows it to evade enemy radar, excelling in covert operations.
Source: aajtak
Features of USS Georgia
Length: 560 feet (170 meters).
Weight: 18,750 tons (submerged).
Missile Capacity: 154 Tomahawk cruise missiles plus room for 66 Special Operations Forces.
Crew: 155 sailors and officers.
Propulsion: Nuclear reactor, allowing prolonged underwater endurance.
Speed: Over 20 knots (about 37 km/h).
USS Georgia has been stationed in the Middle East since September 2024 and launched its missiles from nearly 400 miles (640 kilometers) in the Persian Gulf.
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Tomahawk Cruise Missile: A Paragon of Precision
The Tomahawk Land Attack Missile (TLAM) is a long-range, subsonic cruise missile developed by America for precise strikes. It can be launched from ships and submarines and operates reliably in all-weather conditions.
Source: aajtak
Features of Tomahawk
Range: 2,500 kilometers, enabling reach to Iran's targets with ease.
Guidance System: Utilizes GPS, TERCOM (Terrain Contour Matching), and DSMAC (Digital Scene-Matching Area Correlation) for precise targeting.
Warhead: 1,000-pound (450 kg) conventional explosive or cluster munitions.
Speed: 880 km/h (550 mph).
Specialty: Flies at low altitudes, reducing radar detection.
Tomahawk missiles were ideal for dismantling the upper and underground structures of Natanz and Isfahan due to their precision in impacting large areas.
Attack on Natanz and Isfahan: Operation Details
On the morning of June 21, 2025, the US embarked on a complex and covert military operation targeting Natanz, Isfahan, and Fordow nuclear sites. USS Georgia launched 30 Tomahawks focusing on...
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Natanz
Significance:
Natanz is Iran's largest uranium enrichment facility, built 40 meters underground. It plays a crucial role in enriching uranium for nuclear weapons.
Attack Details:
Tomahawk missiles fired from USS Georgia targeted upper structures and underground centrifuge cascades at Natanz. A B-2 stealth bomber additionally dropped two GBU-57 MOP bombs, capable of penetrating deep bunkers.
Damage:
Upper buildings and some centrifuges were damaged, though Iran claimed the facility did not suffer "irreparable damage."
Isfahan
Significance:
Isfahan houses a facility for converting uranium into nuclear fuel, a critical component of Iran's nuclear program.
Attack Details:
Tomahawk missiles targeted key buildings in Isfahan. Six buildings were damaged, but according to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), no radioactive leakage occurred.
Special Note:
US military sources revealed that the underground complex in Isfahan was sturdier than expected, making complete destruction challenging.
Read More: This Iranian missile strikes from above the atmosphere... Israel trembled in the first attack
Source: aajtak
Fordow
Significance:
Fordow, located 80 meters underground beneath mountains, is considered the most secure nuclear facility.
Attack Details:
This site was targeted by six B-2 stealth bombers that released 12 GBU-57 MOP bombs, specially designed to destroy deep bunkers.
Damage:
US President Donald Trump claimed Fordow was "completely destroyed," but Israeli military radio suggested total devastation was unlikely.
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Operation Strategy
This operation was coordinated between the US and Israel, aimed at weakening Iran’s capacity to construct nuclear weapons. The key features of the operation included...
Secret Planning: The attack was so covert that as B-2 bombers and USS Georgia began their assault, many news channels were still speculating that Trump was "considering options."
B-2 Stealth Technology: B-2 bombers undertook a 37-hour non-stop flight, eluding Iran’s Russian-made air defense systems.
Position of USS Georgia: The submarine launched missiles from 400 miles away in the Persian Gulf, leaving Iran little room for retaliation.
Precision and Power: Tomahawk missiles destroyed upper structures, while GBU-57 MOP targeted deep bunkers.
