Iran: What should Trump do?

[Tiny]

Right now, President Trump stands shoulder to shoulder with Senators Rand Paul and Bernie Sanders on support to Israel in its war with Iran. He's trying to keep the USA out of the conflict, except to help defend Israel from aerial attack. And he's pushing for peace and a nuclear weapons deal with Iran. Do you think he's doing too much or too little?

I haven't voted yet and may not. I agree with Rand Paul as much as any Washington D.C. politician. But on this, I don't have a clue what the best path forward is. Except I suspect killing Khamenei is a bad idea. Will be interested to hear views of distinguished board members.

[Yssup Rider]

Other: resign.

[farmstud60]

I think they are trying to support the people of Iran over throwing their current government.


It may come to bunker busting bombs for the one uranium, enriching facility underground.

[txdot-guy]

I think it would be in every one’s benefit if the Trump administration could get other nations in the area to support Israel on this issue. Public statements from Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Turkey, Syria, Jordan, India, would go a long way towards placing international pressure on Iran to come to some kind of settlement.

[Jacky S]

Originally Posted by txdot-guy

I think it would be in every one’s benefit if the Trump administration could get other nations in the area to support Israel on this issue. Public statements from Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Turkey, Syria, Jordan, India, would go a long way towards placing international pressure on Iran to come to some kind of settlement.

I support furnishing Israel with the munitions to get to the facilities that the large Bunker Busting Bombs can take out.

If the US us sure that the facility can be destroyed, perhaps give the Iranians a 24 hour notice so they could remove all workers.

The World cannot afford to have religious Zealots who want to die for their God having Nuclear Weapons.

[NiceGuy53]

It is my understanding that only the US strategic bombers like the B-52, B-1 and B-2 have the heft necessary to carry the bunker busting bombs. Unfortunately, Israel does not have any of these bombers. If anyone else has more info on this, please advise.

This is why I want the US to use its planes and bunker busting bombs to destroy Iran's nuclear sites. There is the risk that this will draw us into a prolonged regional conflict. But we will never have a better opportunity to severely damage these nuclear sites. Iran must not be allowed to get nuclear weapons. But even these bombs may not be enough to completely destroy the nuclear sites that are buried deep into the ground. Again, if anyone else has more info on this, please share.

[DEAR_JOHN]

Originally Posted by txdot-guy

I think it would be in every one’s benefit if the Trump administration could get other nations in the area to support Israel on this issue. Public statements from Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Turkey, Syria, Jordan, India, would go a long way towards placing international pressure on Iran to come to some kind of settlement.

Best answer and one I fully agree with.

[The_Waco_Kid]

Originally Posted by Tiny

Right now, President Trump stands shoulder to shoulder with Senators Rand Paul and Bernie Sanders on support to Israel in its war with Iran. He's trying to keep the USA out of the conflict, except to help defend Israel from aerial attack. And he's pushing for peace and a nuclear weapons deal with Iran. Do you think he's doing too much or too little?

I haven't voted yet and may not. I agree with Rand Paul as much as any Washington D.C. politician. But on this, I don't have a clue what the best path forward is. Except I suspect killing Khamenei is a bad idea. Will be interested to hear views of distinguished board members.

most pundits claim taking out Khamenei would be a mistake. the reasoning is that another radical would simply take his place. young people in Iran who want more freedom are a better bet for regime change than assassinating Khamenei. it's been reported Trump did not want Israel to take out their political leaders. problem is .. that may take longer than Israel is willing to wait and these strikes might galvanize people to support the current regime rather than protest over it.

[The_Waco_Kid]

Originally Posted by txdot-guy

I think it would be in every one’s benefit if the Trump administration could get other nations in the area to support Israel on this issue. Public statements from Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Turkey, Syria, Jordan, India, would go a long way towards placing international pressure on Iran to come to some kind of settlement.

i'm sure Trump is having diplomatic talks right now about this. some might agree to denounce the root cause, the Oct 7th massacre and thus put pressure on Iran. the bulk of the middle east is not happy with the idea of Iran with nuclear weapons.

Originally Posted by NiceGuy53

It is my understanding that only the US strategic bombers like the B-52, B-1 and B-2 have the heft necessary to carry the bunker busting bombs. Unfortunately, Israel does not have any of these bombers. If anyone else has more info on this, please advise.

This is why I want the US to use its planes and bunker busting bombs to destroy Iran's nuclear sites. There is the risk that this will draw us into a prolonged regional conflict. But we will never have a better opportunity to severely damage these nuclear sites. Iran must not be allowed to get nuclear weapons. But even these bombs may not be enough to completely destroy the nuclear sites that are buried deep into the ground. Again, if anyone else has more info on this, please share.

Israel does have bunker buster bombs just not on the scale the US does and experts are saying it wouldn't be enough. possibly multiple strikes by Israel might do the job. otherwise it may fall on the US to take out these underground facilities

[1blackman1]

He could always tell the Israelis to surrender some land to the Iranians in order to ensure peace. That’s the kind of deals he seems to support. He is after all only about peace.

[The_Waco_Kid]

Originally Posted by 1blackman1

He could always tell the Israelis to surrender some land to the Iranians in order to ensure peace. That’s the kind of deals he seems to support. He is after all only about peace.

Uh .. what? what land? you seem to be confusing this with the Palestinians. Israel has no land border with Iran.



and if you are saying Iran won't continue to attack Israel IF they give land to the Palestinians as a nation that is naive and uneducated about the history of the region.

[txdot-guy]

Originally Posted by 1blackman1

He could always tell the Israelis to surrender some land to the Iranians in order to ensure peace. That’s the kind of deals he seems to support. He is after all only about peace.

Unfortunately we kind of already have done so.

Iraq and Afghanistan are already under the influence of Iran since we’ve left the region.

[Tiny]

Originally Posted by farmstud60

It may come to bunker busting bombs for the one uranium, enriching facility underground.

Originally Posted by Jacky S

I support furnishing Israel with the munitions to get to the facilities that the large Bunker Busting Bombs can take out.

If the US us sure that the facility can be destroyed, perhaps give the Iranians a 24 hour notice so they could remove all workers.

The World cannot afford to have religious Zealots who want to die for their God having Nuclear Weapons.

Originally Posted by NiceGuy53

It is my understanding that only the US strategic bombers like the B-52, B-1 and B-2 have the heft necessary to carry the bunker busting bombs. Unfortunately, Israel does not have any of these bombers. If anyone else has more info on this, please advise.

This is why I want the US to use its planes and bunker busting bombs to destroy Iran's nuclear sites. There is the risk that this will draw us into a prolonged regional conflict. But we will never have a better opportunity to severely damage these nuclear sites. Iran must not be allowed to get nuclear weapons. But even these bombs may not be enough to completely destroy the nuclear sites that are buried deep into the ground. Again, if anyone else has more info on this, please share.

Originally Posted by The_Waco_Kid

Israel does have bunker buster bombs just not on the scale the US does and experts are saying it wouldn't be enough. possibly multiple strikes by Israel might do the job. otherwise it may fall on the US to take out these underground facilities

I asked ChatGPT about the probability bunker busting bombs could destroy the deepest of the known Iraqi nuclear weapons facilities, the one at Fordow. This is what she said. I disagree with her belief that Israeli conventional forces lack the capability. If the Israelis put boots on the ground, they could destroy it.

Key Factors:
1. Depth and Fortification
Fordow is buried under 80–90 meters (260–300 feet) of rock and reinforced concrete.

It's designed to withstand aerial attack, including some conventional bunker-busting munitions.

2. Available Bunker Busters
U.S. GBU-28: Penetrates up to 6 meters (20 feet) of reinforced concrete or 30 meters of earth—not enough for Fordow.

GBU-57A/B Massive Ordnance Penetrator (MOP):

30,000 lbs bomb, developed specifically to destroy deep underground bunkers.

Can penetrate 60 meters of reinforced concrete or deeper into rock, depending on geology.

Possibly sufficient to damage Fordow, especially with multiple hits in succession.

3. Targeting & Operational Constraints
Precise targeting would be critical. Entrance points, ventilation, or critical internal infrastructure may be more vulnerable than the whole complex.

Iran may have air defenses protecting Fordow.

Multiple sorties or synchronized strikes would likely be needed.

4. Israeli vs. U.S. Capabilities
Israel does not have aircraft capable of carrying the GBU-57 MOP.

Only the U.S. Air Force's B-2 stealth bombers currently carry it.

Therefore, a successful strike would almost certainly require direct U.S. military involvement.

�� Approximate Probability Estimate (Conditional)
Scenario Probability Fordow is rendered inoperable
U.S. MOP strike, full effort 60–80%
Israeli-only conventional strike <10%
Covert sabotage Variable, case-dependent

Note: These are subjective estimates, based on open-source defense analysis. Exact probabilities depend on classified data like bomb penetration specifics, Fordow's precise geology, and real-time defense countermeasures.

�� Summary:
The probability that Fordow could be disabled with conventional bunker-busting bombs is significant—but only if the United States deploys high-yield munitions like the GBU-57 and commits to a focused, well-coordinated operation. Israeli conventional forces alone almost certainly lack the capability.

[Tiny]

Originally Posted by The_Waco_Kid

Uh .. what? what land? you seem to be confusing this with the Palestinians. Israel has no land border with Iran.

Yes, that's what I'm thinking. Also there are very few Iranians with the disposable income to buy those planned luxury condominiums in Gaza.

It's bizarre that a Shia Caliphate (Iran) risked its very existence to try to restore Sunnis (Palestinians) to their ancestral lands. When the mullahs weren't lobbing bombs on Israel, they were, from time to time, attacking their hated Sunni enemies throughout the Middle East.

As far as land for peace goes, President Carter should have offered every Israeli or Palestinian (take your pick) American citizenship, 40 acres and a free Cadillac if they all moved to Montana. That would have avoided a lot of strife and come out a whole lot cheaper for America.

[The_Waco_Kid]

Originally Posted by Tiny

I asked ChatGPT about the probability bunker busting bombs could destroy the deepest of the known Iraqi nuclear weapons facilities, the one at Fordow. This is what she said. I disagree with her belief that Israeli conventional forces lack the capability. If the Israelis put boots on the ground, they could destroy it.

Key Factors:
1. Depth and Fortification
Fordow is buried under 80–90 meters (260–300 feet) of rock and reinforced concrete.

It's designed to withstand aerial attack, including some conventional bunker-busting munitions.

2. Available Bunker Busters
U.S. GBU-28: Penetrates up to 6 meters (20 feet) of reinforced concrete or 30 meters of earth—not enough for Fordow.

GBU-57A/B Massive Ordnance Penetrator (MOP):

30,000 lbs bomb, developed specifically to destroy deep underground bunkers.

Can penetrate 60 meters of reinforced concrete or deeper into rock, depending on geology.

Possibly sufficient to damage Fordow, especially with multiple hits in succession.

3. Targeting & Operational Constraints
Precise targeting would be critical. Entrance points, ventilation, or critical internal infrastructure may be more vulnerable than the whole complex.

Iran may have air defenses protecting Fordow.

Multiple sorties or synchronized strikes would likely be needed.

4. Israeli vs. U.S. Capabilities
Israel does not have aircraft capable of carrying the GBU-57 MOP.

Only the U.S. Air Force's B-2 stealth bombers currently carry it.

Therefore, a successful strike would almost certainly require direct U.S. military involvement.

�� Approximate Probability Estimate (Conditional)
Scenario Probability Fordow is rendered inoperable
U.S. MOP strike, full effort 60–80%
Israeli-only conventional strike <10%
Covert sabotage Variable, case-dependent

Note: These are subjective estimates, based on open-source defense analysis. Exact probabilities depend on classified data like bomb penetration specifics, Fordow's precise geology, and real-time defense countermeasures.

�� Summary:
The probability that Fordow could be disabled with conventional bunker-busting bombs is significant—but only if the United States deploys high-yield munitions like the GBU-57 and commits to a focused, well-coordinated operation. Israeli conventional forces alone almost certainly lack the capability.

i agree with you. i think the AI is .. WRONG! lol. i think repeated hits by Israel with their best capabilities should render the facility destroyed. it's already crippled for years by most reports. as far as boots on the ground that would be difficult and reports say Israel who clearly well planned this, already has clandestine boots on the ground. as for an armed incursion to this site to attack and destroy it from within? it's possible and the IDF is as good as it gets. their odds would be 50/50 today given they own Iranian airspace.


i'm gonna predict that Israel does indeed make a concerted effort to finish off this deep level facility and if not, in the next 4-5 days the US will come in on top and finish off the facility.