What US military assets could be deployed in the Middle East?

Israel is also said to have a significant advantage in intelligence, helping it strike targets more effectively.

June 17, 2025 08:07 PM IST

3 min read

The report said that the US is the only country that possesses the necessary weapons and delivery systems to carry out such deep underground attacks. (File Photo)

As tensions rise in the Middle East, CNN has reported on the types of military power the United States could deploy in the region, especially if the conflict involving Iran expands. The report outlines US Navy strike groups, aircraft, and special weapons that may be used if needed.

Two major US Navy carrier strike groups are currently positioned for possible deployment:

The USS Nimitz Carrier Strike Group includes:

Nine aircraft squadrons
An Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer
A Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruiser

The USS Carl Vinson Carrier Strike Group includes:

The USS Princeton, a Ticonderoga-class cruiser
Several Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyers
Guided-missile destroyers of Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 1
Nine aircraft squadrons, including F-35C Lightning II and F/A-18E/F Super Hornets

The Massive Ordnance Penetrator (GBU-57)

CNN noted that one of the key US military tools is the Massive Ordnance Penetrator (GBU-57), a bomb designed to hit underground targets like nuclear facilities.

It is 20 feet long
Weighs 30,000 pounds
Can penetrate up to 200 feet underground

According to CNN, this weapon is unique to the United States and can only be deployed by the B-2 stealth bomber.

CNN said this capability might be necessary if any country wanted to target deeply buried sites such as Iran’s Fordow nuclear facility.

Israel’s current position

CNN’s report stated that Israel currently holds air superiority over Iran. Its military has been able to carry out attacks with limited resistance and has likely degraded Iran’s air defences and missile launch capabilities.

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Israel is also said to have a significant advantage in intelligence, helping it strike targets more effectively. Iran’s military is outmatched, with limited effective air power remaining. While Iran has a stockpile of missiles, CNN said that many of the launch sites have already been hit by Israeli strikes.

Why the US may still be needed

Israel has strong air power, it may lack the ability to destroy heavily fortified sites like Fordow on its own. The report said that the US is the only country that possesses the necessary weapons and delivery systems to carry out such deep underground attacks.

According to CNN, without US support, alternatives like ground operations would be the only option, which could escalate the conflict further.

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