Nuclear Proliferation (Page 2)

Latest in Nuclear Proliferation

FAIRFORD, ENGLAND - MARCH 19: A Rockwell B-1 Lancer heavy bomber sits on the tarmac during sunrise at RAF Fairford on March 19, 2026 in Fairford, England. Since UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer back-tracked on his initial refusal to allow the U.S. to use British bases to launch defensive strikes against Iranian missile sites, a variety of U.S. military aircraft, including B52 and B-1 bombers, have been spotted at RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire.
Iran Nuclear Crisis

Iran Wants To Make Deal To End War, Trump Claims (Updated)

By Thomas Newdick

Updated on Mar 23, 2026

The Pentagon is reportedly sending the Wasp class amphibious assault ship USS Boxer and the rest of its Amphibious Ready Group (ARG), loaded with elements of the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU).
Iran Nuclear Crisis

USS Boxer The Second Amphibious Assault Ship Now Heading To Middle East (Updated)

By Thomas Newdick, Joseph Trevithick

Updated on Mar 20, 2026

The Israeli Air Force (IAF) claims that it destroyed the Iranian government’s Airbus A340 in a strike on Mehrabad International Airport in Tehran. Last summer, the aircraft had been part of an exodus of Iranian state-operated airliners to Oman, but its apparent demise now underscores the intensity of the current airstrikes against Iran, which have been systematically removing aircraft of all types from the Iranian order of battle.
Iran Nuclear Crisis

Israel Claims Destruction Of ‘Iran Force One’

By Thomas Newdick

Posted on Mar 16, 2026

Amphibious assault ship USS Tripoli (LHA 7) departs Naval Air Station North Island, Calif., April 7, 2022. Tripoli completed flight deck operations with 20 F-35B Lightning II jets from Marine Fighter Attack Squadrons 211 and 225, Marine Aircraft Group 13, and 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, as well as Marine Operational Test and Evaluation Squadron 1, as part of the U.S. Marine Corps’ Lightning carrier concept demonstration. The Lightning carrier concept demonstration shows Tripoli and other amphibious assault ships are capable of operating as dedicated fixed-wing strike platforms when needed, capable of bringing fifth generation Short Takeoff/Vertical Landing aircraft wherever they are required. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Samuel Ruiz)
Iran Nuclear Crisis

Marine Expeditionary Unit Deploying To The Middle East: Report (Updated)

By Thomas Newdick, Howard Altman

Updated on Mar 13, 2026

Iran continues its campaign against commercial tankers, with another two vessels apparently set ablaze earlier today in Iraqi waters. Now, the U.S. government is looking at providing protective escorts.
Iran Nuclear Crisis

U.S. Navy Won’t Be Ready To Escort Tankers Through Hormuz For Weeks (Updated)

By Thomas Newdick

Updated on Mar 12, 2026

Satellite imagery from Vantor shows that a site long linked to Iran's nuclear program has been struck in a manner that raises the question of whether 30,000-pound GBU-57/B Massive Ordnance Penetrator (MOP) bunker buster bombs were employed.
Iran Nuclear Crisis

Did B-2s Just Drop GBU-57 Massive Ordnance Penetrators On Another Iranian Nuclear Site? (Updated)

By Joseph Trevithick, Howard Altman

Posted on Mar 12, 2026

B-1B bomber used to strike Iran from RAF Fairford.
Iran Nuclear Crisis

Epic Fury Day 11: U.S. Promises “Most Intense Day Of Strikes” On Iran

By Thomas Newdick, Tyler Rogoway

Updated on Mar 10, 2026

U.S. and Israeli authorities have reportedly been considering a special operations ground raid to extract or otherwise neutralize Iran's stockpile of enriched uranium, a risky plan that highlights challenges in attempting to achieve this objective from the air alone.
Iran Nuclear Crisis

Commando Raid To Secure Iran’s Enriched Uranium May Become A Very Risky Necessity

By Joseph Trevithick

Posted on Mar 9, 2026

A B-52 bomber lands at RAF Fairford on March 9, 2026 in Fairford, England. Four U.S. B-1 Lancer bombers arrived at RAF Fairford on Friday following the UK Prime Minister's decision to allow "defensive" access to UK bases for strikes against Iranian missile sites, reversing an earlier policy refusal that caused friction with President Donald Trump.
Iran Nuclear Crisis

B-52s Arrive At U.K. Base As Air Campaign Over Iran Grinds On (Updated)

By Thomas Newdick, Howard Altman

Updated on Mar 9, 2026

Aircrew members board a B-52H Stratofortress prior to taking off in support of Operation Epic Fury, March 4, 2026. (U.S. Air Force photo)
Iran Nuclear Crisis

Air War Against Iran Enters Week Two (Updated)

By Tyler Rogoway

Updated on Mar 7, 2026

Iran appears to be increasingly focusing its retaliatory attacks against energy production infrastructure in Gulf Arab States.
Iran Nuclear Crisis

Gulf Arab States Under Pressure As Iranian Attacks Grind On (Updated)

By Joseph Trevithick, Thomas Newdick, Howard Altman

Updated on Mar 4, 2026

The joint U.S.-Israeli operation against Iran has entered day three.
Iran Nuclear Crisis

War With Iran Now In Its Third Day

By Joseph Trevithick, Thomas Newdick, Howard Altman

Updated on Mar 2, 2026

U.S. Air Force Airmen from the 379th Expeditionary Maintenance Group conduct pre-flight checks on a KC-135 Stratotanker before it departs during Operation Agile Spartan at Al Udeid Air Base, Qatar, Aug. 19, 2023. The large-scale exercise reinforced the U.S. commitment to its regional partners across the Middle East through developing and maintaining missions in unpredictable ways, rapidly responding to the needs of joint and coalition commanders. The month-long, multinational operation demonstrated interoperability between regional partners, improved response capabilities, and further enhanced security throughout the region.
Iran Nuclear Crisis

Tankers Vacate Al Udeid Air Base As U.S. Citizens Are Urged To Leave Israel Immediately (Updated)

By Thomas Newdick

Posted on Feb 27, 2026

With the U.S. at the precipice of war with Iran, we break down the glaring questions surround such an operation and the reasoning for it.
Iran Nuclear Crisis

The Massive Questions Surrounding A Major American Air War Against Iran

By Tyler Rogoway

Updated on Feb 26, 2026

As well as a second aircraft carrier, the USS Gerald Ford, U.S. Air Force F-22 Raptors have also arrived in theater, according to multiple reports. The stealth jets took off from RAF Lakenheath in England yesterday, confirmed by open-source flight tracking data and aircraft spotters, and are now at an Israeli Air Force base in the south of Israel.
Iran Nuclear Crisis

F-16s Arrive To Protect Diego Garcia, F-22s Forward Deploy To Israel

By Thomas Newdick

Posted on Feb 25, 2026

An F/A-18E Super Hornet, attached to Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 151, prepares to launch from the flight deck of Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) in the Arabian Sea, Feb. 15, 2026. Abraham Lincoln is deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations to support maritime security and stability in the Middle East.
Iran Nuclear Crisis

Iran Signals Possible “Fast Deal” To Be Made In Nuclear Talks As U.S. Military Build-Up Grinds On

By Thomas Newdick

Posted on Feb 23, 2026

China is testing nuclear warheads: US
Nuclear Proliferation

China Secretly Testing Nuclear Weapons And Covering Its Tracks, U.S. Alleges (Updated)

By Joseph Trevithick

Posted on Feb 6, 2026

A Transporter erector launcher carrying the Hyunmoo-5 ballistic missiles, capable of carrying an 8-9 ton warhead and destroying underground bunkers, are featured during a ceremony marking the 76th Armed Forces Day held at Seoul Air Base. South Korea showcased its largest ballistic missile for the first time as it marked Armed Forces Day in an apparent warning against North Korea's nuclear and missile threats. The ground-to-ground missile, dubbed a monster for its size, had been shrouded in secrecy due to its strategic importance. It is known to be able to carry a warhead weighing about 8 tons and capable of destroying underground bunkers. The transporter erector launchers crawled across the air base, each of them carrying a massive canister, apparently housing the "high-power" and "high-precision" missile known to be able to target anywhere in North Korea.
North Korea Nuclear Crisis

Ballistic Missile With Absolutely Massive Bunker-Buster Warhead Fielded By South Korea: Report

By Thomas Newdick

Posted on Jan 19, 2026

U.S. President Donald Trump says he is unafraid to use lethal force against Iran in response to its brutal crackdown on protesters.
Iran Nuclear Crisis

World Waits For Trump’s Next Move On Iran As Protests Grow Deadlier

By Howard Altman

Posted on Jan 12, 2026

PAC JF-17 Thunder multirole combat aircraft, a fighter jet made in China and Pakistan. The Pakistani plane is painted with the country's flag as it belongs to Pakistan Air Force. The aircraft performed a flight demo, flying demonstration at the 53rd Paris Air Show at Le Bourget Airport in France on June 2019. The advanced and sophisticated fighter jet is developed jointly by the Pakistan Aeronautical Complex (PAC) and the Chengdu Aircraft Corporation (CAC) of China.
Nuclear Proliferation

JF-17 Thunder Fighter To Be Offered To Saudi Arabia: Report

By Thomas Newdick, Tyler Rogoway

Posted on Jan 8, 2026

A screen grab from a video shows installation of the Oreshnik missile system on December 30, 2025 in Belarus. Belarus has placed a military unit equipped with the Russian-made Oreshnik mobile ground-based missile system on combat duty, according to official information. The unitâs launch, communications, security, and technical crews completed additional training before becoming operational. Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko has previously said that up to 10 Oreshnik ballistic missile systems could be deployed in the country.
Nuclear Proliferation

Russia Claims Oreshnik Intermediate-Range Ballistic Missile Now “On Combat Duty” In Belarus

By Thomas Newdick

Posted on Dec 30, 2025

A key aspect of the Trump administration's Golden Dome missile defense initiative is ensuring America's ability to launch retaliatory nuclear strikes, the nominee to become the next head of U.S. Strategic Command (STRATCOM) has stressed.
Nuclear Proliferation

Golden Dome Missile Shield Key To Ensuring Nuclear Second Strike Capability: U.S. Admiral

By Joseph Trevithick

Posted on Nov 6, 2025

MOSCOW, RUSSA - SEPTEMBER 02: The warhead cruise missili (1977) on display during an exhibition titled "70 Years of the Atomic Industry: A Chain Reaction of Success" organised by Rosatom agency at Manege Central Exhibition Centre in Moscow, Russia, on September, 02,2015. (Photo by Sefa Karacan/Anadolu Agency/Getty Images)
Nuclear Proliferation

Experts Explain How Long It Would Take Russia To Resume Nuclear Weapons Detonation Tests

By Howard Altman

Updated on Nov 5, 2025

President Donald Trump has come out in support of a future fleet of South Korean nuclear-powered submarines.
Nuclear Proliferation

South Korea’s Nuclear Submarine Ambitions Take Major Step Forward

By Joseph Trevithick

Posted on Oct 31, 2025

India’s Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO), the country’s main military research and development agency, announced the successful test firing of an Agni-Prime from a rail-based mobile launcher system, on September 24. The test, which the DRDO says involved a “full operational scenario,” was carried out at an undisclosed site in the country in collaboration with India’s Strategic Forces Command (SFC).
India-Pakistan Nuclear Standoff

India Just Launched A Ballistic Missile From A Train

By Thomas Newdick

Posted on Sep 25, 2025

U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Thomas Clewell, 495th Fighter Generation Squadron crew chief, marshals an F-35A Lightning II aircraft at RAF Lakenheath, England, Nov. 19, 2024. The 495th FGS is essential to generating daily sorties, enabling pilots to train and maintain readiness to respond quickly and effectively when called upon.
Nuclear Proliferation

Major Indications Nuclear Bombs Are Back At USAF Air Base In England

By Thomas Newdick

Posted on Jul 21, 2025

KC-707 refueling F15 Baz.
Iran Nuclear Crisis

USAF Denies It Refueled Israel’s Fighters During War With Iran

By Tyler Rogoway

Updated on Jul 16, 2025

The Pentagon is waiting for comprehensive battle damage assessment to see how well the MOP worked against Iranian nuclear facilities and how it can be improved.
Iran Nuclear Crisis

GBU-57 Massive Ordnance Penetrator’s Results From Iran Strike Will Inform Its Future: Defense Officials

By Howard Altman

Updated on Jul 10, 2025

Los Alamos scientist Gary Stradling gives us his exclusive insights into the Massive Ordnance Penetrator bomb.
Iran Nuclear Crisis

Los Alamos Scientist’s Insights On The GBU-57 Massive Ordnance Penetrator

By Howard Altman

Posted on Jul 3, 2025

F-15Is on a mission to Iran.
Iran Nuclear Crisis

Israel Vows To Maintain Air Superiority Over Iran

By Howard Altman

Posted on Jun 27, 2025

The defense of Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar against Iranian ballistic missiles included the largest volley of Patriot air defense interceptors in U.S. military history, the Pentagon's top general told reporters.
Iran Nuclear Crisis

Largest Patriot Missile Salvo In U.S. Military History Launched Defending Al Udeid Air Base Against Iranian Attack

By Howard Altman

Updated on Jun 26, 2025

The Pentagon has shared extensive new information about the use of 30,000-pound GBU-57/B Massive Ordnance Penetrator (MOP) bunker buster bombs in recent strikes on Iran, a mission it says was 15 years in the making.
Iran Nuclear Crisis

Everything We Just Learned About The GBU-57 Massive Ordnance Penetrator Strikes On Iran

By Joseph Trevithick

Updated on Jun 26, 2025

There are conflicting reports about the extent of the damage at Iran's nuclear facilities in the wake of U.S. and Israeli. attacks.
Iran Nuclear Crisis

Claims Swirl Over Extent Of Damage From Attacks On Iranian Nuclear Facilities (Updated)

By Howard Altman, Tyler Rogoway

Updated on Jun 25, 2025

B-2 hawaii diverted during decoy operation
Iran Nuclear Crisis

B-2 Used As Decoy For Iran Strike Mission Is Stuck In Hawaii

By Tyler Rogoway

Posted on Jun 25, 2025

U.S. President Donald Trump speaks to reporters before boarding the Marine One presidential helicopter and departing the White House on June 24, 2025 in Washington, DC. Less than 12 hours after announcing a ceasefire between Israel and Iran, Trump is traveling to the Netherlands to attend the NATO leaders' summit.
Iran Nuclear Crisis

Turbulent Start To Iran-Israel Ceasefire But It’s Holding, At Least For Now

By Thomas Newdick

Posted on Jun 24, 2025

U.S. President Donald Trump said he has engineered a ceasefire between Israel and Iran.
Iran Nuclear Crisis

Israel-Iran Ceasefire Is Now In Effect (Updated)

By Howard Altman, Joseph Trevithick

Updated on Jun 24, 2025

Satellite imagery shows clear evidence that Iran took steps to seal off its nuclear enrichment facility at Fordow in the days leading up to the U.S. strikes, which would have helped shield it against a potential ground raid.
Iran Nuclear Crisis

Iran’s Fordow Nuclear Site Likely Sealed Up Before B-2 Strikes

By Joseph Trevithick

Updated on Jun 24, 2025

The Israeli military said it had struck command centers belonging to Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) and other domestic security forces responsible for “maintaining the regime’s stability.”
Iran Nuclear Crisis

Israel Strikes Key Iranian Command And Control Sites In Tehran (Updated)

By Thomas Newdick

Updated on Jun 23, 2025

US base in qatar attacked by iranian ballistic missiles
Iran Nuclear Crisis

Iran Launches Ballistic Missile Revenge Strike On Al Udeid Air Base In Qatar (Updated)

By Howard Altman, Tyler Rogoway

Updated on Jun 23, 2025

U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff U.S. Air Force Gen. Dan "Razin" Caine have now briefed TWZ and other reporters on the historic strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities last night, dubbed Operation Might Hammer.
Iran Nuclear Crisis

B-2 Strikes On Iran: What We Know About Operation Midnight Hammer (Updated)

By Howard Altman, Tyler Rogoway, Joseph Trevithick

Updated on Jun 22, 2025

B-2s bombed iran
Iran Nuclear Crisis

U.S. Has Attacked Iran’s Nuclear Facilities (Updated)

By Howard Altman, Tyler Rogoway

Updated on Jun 22, 2025

At least two separate groups of B-2 Spirit stealth bombers are currently heading westward across the Pacific Ocean, but their exact final destination is currently unclear.
Iran Nuclear Crisis

B-2 Bombers Head West Across Pacific Amidst Iran Crisis

By Joseph Trevithick

Updated on Jun 21, 2025

Iran's nuclear scientists were assassinated in their homes using an undisclosed weapon.
Iran Nuclear Crisis

Top Iranian Nuclear Scientists Killed By Secret Israeli Weapon: Report

By Howard Altman

Updated on Jun 20, 2025

At least one Iranian ballistic missile impacted the port city of Haifa in northern Israel.
Iran Nuclear Crisis

Iranian Ballistic Missiles Hit “Strategic Points” In Israeli Port City Of Haifa (Updated)

By Thomas Newdick

Updated on Jun 20, 2025

B-2 bomber
Iran Nuclear Crisis

U.S. Decision On Striking Iran To Be Made In “Next Two Weeks” (Updated)

By Thomas Newdick

Updated on Jun 19, 2025

Iran fired at least one ballistic missile with a warhead containing multiple submunitions as part of a particularly destructive barrage on Israel earlier today.
Iran Nuclear Crisis

Iran Just Used Ballistic Missiles With Cluster Warheads To Strike Israel

By Joseph Trevithick

Posted on Jun 19, 2025

U.S. President Donald Trump is edging closer to a decision on whether to attack Iran.
Iran Nuclear Crisis

World Waits As Trump Mulls Direct Military Action Against Iran

By Howard Altman

Posted on Jun 19, 2025

C-130 from the IAF dropping material via airdrop.
Iran Nuclear Crisis

Could Israeli C-130s Drop GBU-57 Massive Ordnance Penetrator Bunker Busters?

By Tyler Rogoway

Posted on Jun 18, 2025

As Israel's campaign of strikes on Iran continues, a question emerges about whether some level of additional action may be required on the ground to meet the stated goal of preventing the regime in Tehran from being able to acquire nuclear weapons.
Iran Nuclear Crisis

Loose Nukes In Iran Is A Scenario U.S. Special Operators Have Been Training For

By Joseph Trevithick

Posted on Jun 18, 2025

The Israeli military said on Wednesday that one of its drones had been downed by a surface-to-air missile while operating over Iran, AFP reports. An army statement said the drone “fell in Iran. No injuries were reported and there is no risk of an information breach.”
Iran Nuclear Crisis

Israeli Hermes Drone Shot Down In Iran, Trump Ramps Up Threats To Tehran

By Thomas Newdick

Posted on Jun 18, 2025

Israel's air campaign against Iran's missiles and launch systems appears to be having an effect.
Iran Nuclear Crisis

Israeli Airstrikes Blunt Iranian Long-Range Ballistic Missile Threat (Updated)

By Howard Altman, Tyler Rogoway

Updated on Jun 17, 2025

A U.S. Air Force KC-135 Stratotanker aircraft, assigned to the 100th Air Refueling Wing, refuels a U.S. Air Force F-35A Lightning II aircraft during exercise RAMSTEIN FLAG 2024 while flying over the coast of Greece, Oct. 4, 2024. RAFL24 demonstrates NATO unity and strength, as Allies across the Euro-Atlantic area train side by side in defensive and offensive air operations scenarios in support of the enduring commitment to shared values and ability to adapt to the emerging environment.
Iran Nuclear Crisis

U.S. Air Force Fighters Deploy To Reinforce Middle East

By Thomas Newdick

Posted on Jun 17, 2025

Spike launcher found in Iran after attacks by Mossad agents.
Iran Nuclear Crisis

Spike Missiles That Destroyed Air Defenses From Inside Iran Were Remotely Operated

By Howard Altman

Posted on Jun 16, 2025

28 tankers were sent out over the Atlantic heading east tonight.
Iran Nuclear Crisis

Armada Of USAF Tankers Just Deployed East Over Atlantic Spurring Speculation (Updated)

By Tyler Rogoway

Updated on Jun 16, 2025

The aircraf carrier USS Nimitz has recently seen its service life extended, a sign of stress on the fleet.
Iran Nuclear Crisis

Major U.S. Middle East-Focused Buildup Confirmed (Updated)

By Joseph Trevithick, Howard Altman

Posted on Jun 16, 2025

Israel strikes Iranian F-14 tomcat.
Iran Nuclear Crisis

Iranian F-14 ‘Persian Tomcats’ Obliterated In Israeli Airstrike

By Tyler Rogoway

Posted on Jun 16, 2025

The Israeli military claims it has destroyed one third of Iran’s long-range surface-to-surface missile launchers since the start of the conflict. For now, however, Iran is still launching missile strikes against Israel, with overnight attacks having killed at least eight people, according to Israeli sources.
Iran Nuclear Crisis

One Third Of Iran’s Long-Range Missile Launchers Destroyed, Israel Claims (Updated)

By Thomas Newdick, Howard Altman

Posted on Jun 16, 2025

Iran and Israel continue to trade blows late on Saturday and into Sunday. On the Israeli side, the strikes constitute the latest phase of Operation Rising Lion, a campaign designed to destroy Iran’s nuclear capability and long-range weapons capacity. For its part, Tehran continues to launch barrage of retaliatory missile strikes at Israel, with reportedly killed at least 10 people and injured more than 100 overnight.
Iran Nuclear Crisis

IAF Destroys Iranian Aerial Tanker 1,400 miles From Israel, Farthest Strike Yet (Updated)

By Thomas Newdick

Updated on Jun 15, 2025

Israel is now attacking Iranian energy facilities after warning it would if Iran didn't stop hitting Israeli urban areas.
Iran Nuclear Crisis

Israel Escalates To Attacking Iranian Energy Targets After Ballistic Missiles Hit Tel Aviv (Updated)

By Howard Altman

Updated on Jun 15, 2025

Israeli officials are warning that the strikes that began to be launched against Iran overnight are just the start phase of a wider operation.
Iran Nuclear Crisis

Israel’s Operation To Destroy Iran’s Nuclear Program Enters New Phase (Updated)

By Thomas Newdick

Updated on Jun 13, 2025

Israel strikes Iran's nuclear program.
Iran Nuclear Crisis

Israel Launches Operation Rising Lion To Destroy Iran’s Nuclear Program (Updated)

By Howard Altman, Tyler Rogoway, Joseph Trevithick

Updated on Jun 13, 2025

Israel hand commando teams inside Iran attack air defenses
Iran Nuclear Crisis

Israeli Commandos Attacked Iranian Air Defenses With Drones From Inside The Country: Report

By Thomas Newdick

Updated on Jun 13, 2025

The Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff said efforts to deter Iranian mining of the Strait of Hormuz are already underway.
Iran Nuclear Crisis

Growing Fears of Massive Strikes On Iran As Nuclear Negotiations Sputter

By Joseph Trevithick

Posted on Jun 10, 2025

As the dust settles, for now, on the latest clashes between India and Pakistan, it’s clear that the nations’ respective air forces played a very active role in the fighting. At this stage, details of what happened are still extremely hard to come by, with seemingly endless claims and counterclaims, especially around possible shootdowns, and very little in the way of verifiable facts about how the air-to-air engagements played out. However, many observers are already pointing to the potentially significant impact of the Pakistan Air Force’s Chinese-made Chengdu J-10C multirole fighters, as well as their vaunted PL-15 air-to-air missiles.
India-Pakistan Nuclear Standoff

China’s J-10C Fighter: Separating Myth From Reality

By Thomas Newdick

Posted on May 15, 2025