New US bill would authorize Trump to send B‑2 bombers and bunker busters to Israel if Iran's nuclear threat grows
TOI World Desk | TIMESOFINDIA.COM | Jul 04, 2025, 00:46 IST
( Image credit : AP, TOIGLOBAL )
The "Bunker Buster Act," introduced in the US House, aims to provide Israel with advanced weaponry, including B-2 bombers and bunker-busting bombs, if Iran persists in its nuclear development. This bipartisan bill seeks to reinforce Israel's defense capabilities amid rising concerns over Tehran's nuclear ambitions and recent attacks, signaling a shift towards more assertive deterrence measures in the region.
A new bipartisan bill introduced in the US House of Representatives could significantly escalate military support for Israel if Iran continues its nuclear development. The proposed legislation, dubbed the “Bunker Buster Act,” would grant President Donald Trump the authority to transfer advanced US weaponry—including B‑2 stealth bombers and GBU‑57 bunker-busting bombs—to Israel should Iranian nuclear activity persist.
Representatives Josh Gottheimer (D-N.J.) and Mike Lawler (R-N.Y.) introduced the bill as part of a broader strategy to reinforce Israel’s military capabilities amid rising concerns over Tehran’s nuclear ambitions. “Iran, the leading state sponsor of terror, can never have a nuclear weapon,” Gottheimer said. “Israel must be able to defend herself and prevent Iran from rebuilding its nuclear infrastructure.”
The bill arrives on the heels of a joint US-Israeli strike that targeted Iran’s key nuclear sites. According to President Trump, B‑2 bomber crews dropped 14 GBU‑57 bombs on Iran’s nuclear facilities, aiming to dismantle its enrichment capabilities. Trump claimed the operation “totally obliterated” the regime’s nuclear program. Simultaneously, Israeli forces launched airstrikes on Iranian military command centers and nuclear-related installations.
Despite the coordinated attacks, concerns remain. The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) confirmed substantial damage to Iran’s Fordow underground facility, noting that its centrifuges are no longer operational. However, IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi warned that Iran retains enough industrial capacity to resume uranium enrichment within months. “There has been severe damage, but it’s not total damage. They will be able to start doing this again,” Grossi told CBS.
Israel, despite its extensive air capabilities, lacks both stealth bombers and the specialized 30,000-pound Massive Ordnance Penetrators required to penetrate deeply buried nuclear sites. The US, which currently operates a fleet of 19 B‑2 bombers, has never transferred these assets to an ally—making the proposed legislation a significant departure from standard military protocol.
Representative Lawler emphasized the bill’s strategic intent: “The Bunker Buster Act ensures that Israel has the tools and training they need to deter Tehran and defend against any future nuclear resurgence.”
The proposed aid package also follows a recent missile attack by Houthi rebels on Israeli territory. In response, US Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee suggested that B‑2 bombers could be deployed to Yemen to neutralize Houthi bases. “Maybe those B‑2 bombers need to visit Yemen!” Huckabee said, referencing previous US strikes in October 2024, when B‑2 aircraft targeted Houthi strongholds.
As tensions in the Middle East continue to rise, Washington is reevaluating its defense posture in the region. The Bunker Buster Act represents a shift toward more assertive deterrence measures, aligning closely with Trump’s hardline approach to Iran and his commitment to bolstering US-Israel military cooperation.
The bill is expected to ignite debate in Congress, with lawmakers weighing the implications of transferring high-level military assets amid ongoing volatility in the region. As the international community watches Iran’s next move, the United States appears poised to escalate its deterrence strategy—both through legislation and military readiness.
Representatives Josh Gottheimer (D-N.J.) and Mike Lawler (R-N.Y.) introduced the bill as part of a broader strategy to reinforce Israel’s military capabilities amid rising concerns over Tehran’s nuclear ambitions. “Iran, the leading state sponsor of terror, can never have a nuclear weapon,” Gottheimer said. “Israel must be able to defend herself and prevent Iran from rebuilding its nuclear infrastructure.”
The bill arrives on the heels of a joint US-Israeli strike that targeted Iran’s key nuclear sites. According to President Trump, B‑2 bomber crews dropped 14 GBU‑57 bombs on Iran’s nuclear facilities, aiming to dismantle its enrichment capabilities. Trump claimed the operation “totally obliterated” the regime’s nuclear program. Simultaneously, Israeli forces launched airstrikes on Iranian military command centers and nuclear-related installations.
Despite the coordinated attacks, concerns remain. The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) confirmed substantial damage to Iran’s Fordow underground facility, noting that its centrifuges are no longer operational. However, IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi warned that Iran retains enough industrial capacity to resume uranium enrichment within months. “There has been severe damage, but it’s not total damage. They will be able to start doing this again,” Grossi told CBS.
Israel, despite its extensive air capabilities, lacks both stealth bombers and the specialized 30,000-pound Massive Ordnance Penetrators required to penetrate deeply buried nuclear sites. The US, which currently operates a fleet of 19 B‑2 bombers, has never transferred these assets to an ally—making the proposed legislation a significant departure from standard military protocol.
Representative Lawler emphasized the bill’s strategic intent: “The Bunker Buster Act ensures that Israel has the tools and training they need to deter Tehran and defend against any future nuclear resurgence.”
The proposed aid package also follows a recent missile attack by Houthi rebels on Israeli territory. In response, US Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee suggested that B‑2 bombers could be deployed to Yemen to neutralize Houthi bases. “Maybe those B‑2 bombers need to visit Yemen!” Huckabee said, referencing previous US strikes in October 2024, when B‑2 aircraft targeted Houthi strongholds.
As tensions in the Middle East continue to rise, Washington is reevaluating its defense posture in the region. The Bunker Buster Act represents a shift toward more assertive deterrence measures, aligning closely with Trump’s hardline approach to Iran and his commitment to bolstering US-Israel military cooperation.
The bill is expected to ignite debate in Congress, with lawmakers weighing the implications of transferring high-level military assets amid ongoing volatility in the region. As the international community watches Iran’s next move, the United States appears poised to escalate its deterrence strategy—both through legislation and military readiness.