‘Bunker buster’ to ‘Khorramshahr’: Missiles used US and Iran in the war | World News

The Middle East conflict has sharply escalated after the United States entered the fray launching strikes on three key Iranian nuclear sites — Natanz, Isfahan, and Fordow — three days ago. In retaliation, Iran targeted the US-run Al Udeid Air Base in Doha, Qatar. However, the attack was intercepted American forces.Despite US President Donald Trump’s announcement of a ceasefire, hostilities have continued unabated for the 12th consecutive day, with both Tel Aviv and Tehran exchanging attacks.
Amid the ongoing war, here’s a breakdown of a few of the bombs and missiles recently deployed Israel, Iran, and the US, which have left hundreds dead, thousands injured, and many displaced.
‘Bunker Buster’
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The US military deployed its most powerful non-nuclear bomb, the GBU-57 Massive Ordnance Penetrator, also known as the “bunker buster.” This weapon, carried the B-2 Spirit stealth bomber, is specifically engineered to destroy deeply buried targets, including hardened bunkers and underground facilities.
The bomb is commonly known as a “bunker buster” as it was designed to destroy underground bunkers, like Fordow, the 30,000-pound bomb can punch through 200 feet of earth or concrete before detonating. (Photograph: AP)
According to the US Air Force, the MOP weighs roughly 13,000 kg , stretches 20.5 feet in length, and can penetrate up to 60 meters of earth before detonation. It is encased in a high-performance steel alloy that allows it to withstand impact while delivering a massive explosive payload.
Tomahawk Cruise Missiles
Alongside the bunker buster, the US launched Tomahawk cruise missiles—long-range, precision-guided weapons designed for deep land-attack warfare. First used during Operation Desert Storm in 1991, the Tomahawk can be launched from US Navy surface ships, submarines, and UK Royal Navy submarines. In the latest offensive, they played a key role in damaging Iran’s strategic infrastructure.
The long-range, precision-guided cruise missile is capable of deep land attack warfare (Source: Wikimedia Commons)
Iran’s Missile Response
Iran, which has repeatedly stated its nuclear program is for peaceful purposes, responded to the US strikes and Israel’s growing threats with an aggressive missile campaign.
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Iran deployed the Sejjil missile — a two-stage, solid-fuel, medium-range ballic missile — to strike Israeli targets. The missile reportedly reduced large parts of Tel Aviv to rubble.

With a range of 2,000 km and a payload capacity of around 700 kg, the Sejjil has a launch weight of 23,600 kg. In service since 2021, it is a key component of Iran’s regional missile arsenal.
Khorramshahr Missile
The Khorramshahr is capable of carrying multiple warheads, with a maximum payload of up to 1,800 kg. (AP)
Also used in the retaliatory barrage was the Khorramshahr missile, a liquid-fueled, medium-range ballic missile believed to be based on North Korea’s Musudan (BM-25) platform. The Khorramshahr is capable of carrying multiple warheads, with a maximum payload of up to 1,800 kg.
It has an estimated range of 2,000 km, a length of 13 meters, and a body diameter between 1.5 to 2 meters, weighing between 19,000 to 26,000 kg at launch.Story continues below this ad
With inputs from Missile Threat website, CSIS Missile Defense Project