Bloomberg Businessweek ICYMI: Tit for Tat Strikes in the Mideast
Jun 24, 2025
Tony Capaccio, a Pentagon and national security reporter for Bloomberg News, dives into the high-stakes tension between the U.S. and Iran. He reveals the U.S. strikes against Iran and explores the potential for retaliatory actions. Discussion includes Iran's strategic positioning with missile launchers and the volatility surrounding military operations in the region. Capaccio also highlights the complexities of using B-2 bombers in sensitive military missions and examines the evolution of U.S. airpower, particularly with insights into the new B-21 Raider.
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Early Damage Reports Are Unreliable
- Battle damage assessments immediately after a strike are often inaccurate and exaggerated.
- It typically takes weeks to confirm the actual level of destruction from a military operation.
Precision Guided by Intel and GPS
- US weapon drops were precisely calibrated using Israeli intelligence on nuclear material depth.
- GPS technology enhanced the accuracy of bunker-busting munitions targeting underground facilities.
Risk Management in Targeting Nuclear Sites
- The Istafan facility, housing sensitive nuclear material, was targeted with cruise missiles instead of deeper-penetrating bombs.
- This approach likely minimized the risk of releasing nuclear materials into the atmosphere during strikes.