Note: There is no long historical list because the U.S. has rarely directly bombed Iran. Most confirmed usage comes from the 2025–2026 conflict.
1. GBU-57 Massive Ordnance Penetrator (MOP)
- Also known as a “bunker buster bomb”
- Weight: ~30,000 pounds (13,600 kg)
- Used to destroy deep underground nuclear facilities
✔️ Used in strikes on:
- Fordow nuclear site
- Natanz facility
➡️ Around 14 bunker-buster bombs were reportedly dropped
2. GBU-31 / GBU-32 / GBU-38 (JDAM Bombs)
- GPS-guided precision bombs
- Known as Joint Direct Attack Munitions (JDAMs)
✔️ Usage:
- About 250 JDAM bombs used in early stages of the war
➡️ Purpose:
- Target military bases, infrastructure, and strategic sites
3. General “Bunker-Buster” Bombs (Category)
- Includes multiple deep-penetration bombs
- Designed to destroy hardened underground structures
✔️ Delivered by:
- B-2 stealth bombers
➡️ Used extensively in nuclear facility attacks
4. Precision-Guided Bombs (Various Types)
- Used in large quantities during airstrikes
✔️ Around:
- 75 precision bombs dropped in a single operation
➡️ These include:
- Laser-guided bombs
- GPS-guided bombs
5. Cluster Munitions (Reported)
- Bombs that release multiple smaller submunitions
⚠️ Reports suggest:
- The U.S. may have used cluster munitions in Iran during the conflict
➡️ These are controversial due to civilian risk
Other Weapons Used (Not Bombs but Important)
Although your question is about bombs, it’s important to note the U.S. also used:
Tomahawk Cruise Missiles
- Fired from submarines and ships
- Used to strike targets like Isfahan
HIMARS Rocket Systems
- Land-based rocket artillery
- Used in large-scale strikes
Drones (MQ-9 Reaper, LUCAS)
- Used for surveillance and attacks
Key Facts About U.S. Bombing in Iran
- Over 3,000 guided munitions used in early conflict phases
- More than 11,000 targets struck in one month
- Focus was mainly on:
- Nuclear facilities
- Missile sites
- Military infrastructure
Conclusion
The list of U.S. bombs used on Iran is relatively short but highly advanced, focusing on precision and deep-penetration weapons rather than traditional large-scale bombing.
The most important bombs include:
- GBU-57 Massive Ordnance Penetrator
- JDAM series bombs (GBU-31/32/38)
- Other precision-guided and bunker-buster bombs
Modern warfare in this conflict shows a shift toward:
- High-tech precision strikes
- Fewer but more powerful bombs
- Targeted destruction instead of widespread bombing
