Latest news with #Leiter
USA Today
3 days ago
- Politics
- USA Today
How does a bunker-buster bomb work? A closer look at the GBU-57
How does a bunker-buster bomb work? A closer look at the GBU-57 While Israel is wielding a wide array of weapons during their ongoing attacks on Iran, there is at least one which only the United States can bring to the battlespace: a bunker-busting bomb known as the GBU-57A/B Massive Ordnance Penetrator. According to Department of Defense documents, the GBU-57 is a guided, penetrating weapon with the ability to reach and destroy targets in deeply buried and hardened bunkers and tunnels. The warhead case is made from a high performance steel alloy and which allows for a large explosive payload while maintaining integrity during impact. Here's a closer look at the heavy-duty munition, the warplane that carries it, and one potential target. Unable to see our graphics? Click here to reload the page. Only U.S.-made B-2 Spirit stealth bombers are programmed to carry the GBU-57s, which weigh more than 30,000 pounds. Each B-2 based at Whiteman Air Force Base in Missouri can hold two of the bombs. One June 15, Israeli Ambassador to the United States Yechiel Leiter appeared on ABC News 'This Week' where host Martha Raddatz asked Leiter to talk about Fordow Fuel Enrichment Plant, suggesting that Israel cannot destroy the site located deep under a mountainside without U.S. assistance in the form of bunker-busting bombs. Fordo has 1,000 centrifuges used to enrich uranium. Leiter suggested that Israel may not need to rely on the bomb Raddatz described, to achieve its aims. "We have a number of contingencies which will enable us to deal with Fordow. Not everything is a matter of taking to the skies and bombing from afar," said Leiter. "We're certain that we can set back the nuclear weapons system development within Iran for a very, very long time." Israel's National Security Advisor Tzachi Hanegbi offered the clearest signal yet about the goals of Israel's air campaign, telling local Channel 12 News on June 17 the military is going after the hardest target in Iran: The Fordo nuclear enrichment plant. 'This operation will not conclude without a strike on the Fordo nuclear facility,' Hanegbi said. Read more: Israel wants to demolish Iran's nuclear facilities. Does it need US military help? Israel-Iran timeline: How Israeli attack and Iranian retaliation unfolded Israel attacks Iran: See strike map, satellite images of nuclear sites Live updates: Trump teases possible US strike as Iran supreme leader warns America Why Israel wants U.S. 'bunker busters' for strikes on Iran's nuclear sites Contributing: Cybele Mayes-Osterman, Tom Vanden Brook, Kim Hjelmgaard, Stephen J. Beard, Jennifer Borresen, and Shawn J. Sullivan, USA TODAY
The Herald Scotland
3 days ago
- Politics
- The Herald Scotland
Israel-Iran timeline: Maps, graphics show how Israeli attack unfolded
June 12 Israel conducted the first strikes of an air campaign targeting Iran's nuclear program and leadership at 11 p.m. ET, according to The Critical Threats Project (CTP) at the American Enterprise Institute and the Institute for the Study of War (ISW). June 13 The Israeli military conducted attacks targeting Iran's uranium enrichment facility at Natanz and hit additional targets "at the heart" of the Islamic Republic's nuclear and ballistic missile programs, according to Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The surprise attack killed nearly the entire top echelon of Iran's military commanders, Reuters reported. Netanyahu said that "Iran's leading nuclear scientists" were also targets in the attacks. Iran launched three retaliatory waves of missiles at targets in Israel. Here's a closer look at the locations Iran's weapons and nuclear facilities, according to The Nuclear Threat Initiative, a non-profit organization which describes its mission as "reducing nuclear, biological, and emerging technology threats imperiling humanity." June 14 The Israeli military struck an unspecified underground weapons facility in western Iran, according to ISW. Iranian state media reported that Israel bombed multiple energy facilities in southern Iran. South Pars field - the world's largest gasfield - was struck along with the Fajr Jam gas plant. Iran's Petroleum Ministry confirmed that the Shahran depot was also targeted by Israel, Al Jazeera reported. June 15 Israel and Iran continued to exchange airstrikes, ISW reported. Israel also targeted Iranian government buildings, such as the Iranian Foreign Affairs Ministry in Tehran and the Ministry of Intelligence and Security. Iran sent hundreds of drones and missiles to Israel, damaging the country's largest oil refinery near the port city of Haifa and the Weizmann Institute of Science, a top research center in the country, according to the Wall Street Journal. Israeli Ambassador to the United States Yechiel Leiter appeared on ABC News "This Week" where host Martha Raddatz asked Leiter to talk about Fordow Fuel Enrichment Plant, suggesting that Israel cannot destroy the site located deep under a mountainside without U.S. assistance in the form of bunker-busting bombs. Leiter suggested that Israel may not need to rely on the bomb Raddatz described, known as the GBU-57A/B Massive Ordnance Penetrator, to achieve its aims. "We have a number of contingencies which will enable us to deal with Fordow. Not everything is a matter of taking to the skies and bombing from afar," said Leiter. "We're certain that we can set back the nuclear weapons system development within Iran for a very, very long time." June 16 An Israeli strike hit Iran's state broadcaster on Monday June 16 and bombed a command center of an elite Iranian military unit, the New York Times reported. That same day, Israel said it hit Iranian F-14 fighter planes at Tehran airport. Rafael Grossi, head of the International Atomic Energy Agency, told the BBC it was very likely all the roughly 15,000 centrifuges operating at Iran's biggest uranium enrichment plant at Natanz were badly damaged or destroyed because of a power cut caused by an Israeli strike. In a social media post, Secretary of Defesne Pete Hegseth announced the "deployment of additional capabilities to the Unted States Central Command Area of Responsibility." The Washington Post, citing flight-tracking data, reports that more than two dozen tanker planes were deployed from the United States to Europe on Sunday and Monday. Reuters reports that U.S. aircraft carrier USS Nimitz left the South China Sea on Monday morning heading west, according to data from ship tracking website Marine Traffic. The Pentagon has shifted warplanes and an aircraft carrier to the Middle East as the conflict between Israel and Iran continues to rage, but the moves have been defensive in nature as the U.S. observes rather than participates in Israel's punishing air campaign, according to U.S. officials. June 17 The ongoing aerial war between Israel and Iran entered its fifth day on June 17 as Israel hit Iranian cities with bombs and some Iranian missiles evaded Israel's iron dome defense system. More than 220 Iranians have been killed and at least 1,200 injured since the bombardment began, Iranian state media reported. Two dozen Israelis have been killed in Iranian missile attacks, officials said. Contributing: Jennifer Borresen, Tom Vanden Brook, Cybele Mayes-Osterman, and Shawn J. Sullivan, USA TODAY This is a developing story which will be updated. Live updates: 'Easy target': Trump threatens Iran's supreme leader, says he's safe 'for now'
Politico
6 days ago
- Politics
- Politico
Israel in no rush to wrap up Iran war, ambassador says
Israel's ambassador to the United States said Sunday that Israel was not looking to limit or quickly finish up its war with Iran. 'The objective is not to contain the war. The objective is to win the war,' Ambassador Yechiel Leiter said to host Martha Raddatz on ABC's 'This Week.' Leiter's televised remarks came roughly the same time that President Donald Trump posted a plea on Truth Social for Israel and Iran to make peace: 'Iran and Israel should make a deal, and will make a deal, just like I got India and Pakistan to make, in that case by using TRADE with the United States to bring reason, cohesion, and sanity into the talks with two excellent leaders who were able to quickly make a decision and STOP!' Trump added: 'We will have PEACE, soon, between Israel and Iran! Many calls and meetings now taking place.' Israel has been warning for years about Iran's attempts to develop nuclear weapons and potentially use them to strike Israel, which it regards as a rogue state that has no right to exist. Among those killed in its initial strikes last week were nuclear scientists and some of Iran's top nuclear commanders, and Leiter made it clear that its goal is 'to neutralize and terminate the Iranian intention of destroying Israel through nuclear weapons and through ballistic missiles.' Speaking of Ali Khamenei, Iran's supreme leader, Leiter said Israel saw this war as a fight for survival: 'Look, 80 years ago we had a little man with a mustache running around Europe that nobody believed him when he said he was going to destroy the Jewish people. We lost 6 million. Now we've got a crazed new Hitler running around the Middle East saying he's going to destroy us. We have to take him at face value. That's his intention. He says it every day. He's got a concrete plan to destroy us.' Leiter also said no one including the supreme leader, was off the possible target list in its continued strikes on Iran. 'I think it's fair to say that nobody who's threatening the destruction of Israel should be off the target list. But we're not going to discuss specific individuals,' Leiter told Raddatz. But Leiter acknowledged that Iran's counter strikes are causing damage in Israel, saying his nation's defense systems can't block all missiles. 'There's about 10 to 15 percent of these ballistic missiles that get through,' he said. 'We sustained significant attacks last night. We have over 10 fatalities and hundreds wounded.' Sen. Adam Schiff (D-Calif.), speaking on NBC's 'Meet the Press,' defended Israel's actions. 'I support what Israel's doing to defend itself,' he said. 'Israel clearly made the calculus at a moment when Iran has been weakened by the incapacity of its militia of Hezbollah and its other actors, the state-sponsored terrorism that it engaged in once it's been weakened. I think they found this the opportune moment to go after a nuclear program that was coming closer and closer to fruition. So I support those actions.'
The Hill
6 days ago
- Politics
- The Hill
Israeli Ambassador: ‘Objective is not to contain the war' but ‘win the war' against Iran
Israeli ambassador to the United States, Yechiel Leiter, said the goal in the war against Iran is not to contain it but to win it, as the two countries continue to exchange strikes for a third day. During an appearance on ABC's 'This Week,' host Martha Raddatz asked Leiter how Israel would avoid escalating and attempt to contain the war. 'Martha, the objective is not to contain the war,' Leiter responded. 'The objective is to win the war.' 'Eighty years ago, we had a little man with a mustache running around Europe that nobody believed him when he said he was going to destroy the Jewish people,' he continued. 'We lost 6 million. Now we've got a crazed new Hitler running around the Middle East saying he's going to destroy us. 'We have to take him at face value… He's got a concrete plan to destroy us.' Her comments come after Israel and Iran continued to exchange airstrikes on Sunday. Another round of U.S.-Iranian nuclear talks was scheduled in Muscat, Oman, but was cancelled amid the fighting. When Raddatz mentioned that Trump did not want Israel to strike Iran because it would 'blow it,' Leiter said Trump was 'congratulatory about our strike,' noting that he had been given a 'heads-up' by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. When pushed further on whether Israel would accept a deal between Iran and Israel, Leiter said not unless Iran is willing to halt the nuclear program entirely. 'He wants the nuclear program in Iran to be halted in its entirety,' Leiter said. 'He said it very clearly: dismantle the centrifuges, dismantle the infrastructure, and stop in total the enrichment of uranium. So, if that can be achieved through negotiation, so be it. We'll be very happy. But it hasn't been.'
Yahoo
13-06-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Fantasy Baseball Waiver Wire: Jacob Misiorowski a hot commodity after impressive MLB debut
This week's list of fantasy baseball waiver wire targets includes two sluggers who recently returned from the IL. Keeping track of those who are returning from injury is an underrated pathway to improving a roster, as these players often become forgotten by fantasy managers. And this week's list is highlighted by a rookie starter who could make a massive impact, and a catcher who should be rostered in most leagues. Fantasy Baseball Waiver Wire Targets Jacob Misiorowski, SP, Milwaukee Brewers, 50% Misiorowski was dynamite in his MLB debut, tossing five no-hit innings, while regularly reaching triple digits on the radar gun. The 23-year-old is among the best prospects in baseball, thrived in Triple-A this season (2.13 ERA, 1.09 WHIP, 11.4 K/9 rate) and could become Milwaukee's best starter in a hurry. Misiorowski in the rotation should be rostered in every league by the end of the weekend. Jack Leiter, SP, Texas Rangers, 43% Leiter has not pitched as well as is indicated by his 3.88 ERA and 1.24 WHIP. After all, his 45:28 K:BB ratio is below average, and he has greatly benefited from a .232 BABIP. So, why is Leiter in this article? Well, despite being due for regression at some point this season, the 25-year-old is the top two-start streamer candidate to grab off the waiver wire next week, when he will face the Royals (28th in runs scored) and the Pirates (29th in runs scored). Grant Holmes, SP/RP, Atlanta Braves, 41% Holmes joins Leiter as the most obvious two-start pitchers to stash for next week. The 29-year-old has been solid-but-unspectacular this year, posting a 4.07 ERA, 1.22 WHIP and 77:32 K:BB ratio. He will open next week at home against a Mets team that ranks seventh in runs scored and close it out by facing a weak Marlins offense (24th in runs scored). Managers who wait until Sunday to find streamers will find out that there aren't many to choose from next week. Holmes' RP eligibility makes him especially appealing in points leagues. Advertisement [Smarter waivers, better trades, optimized lineups — Yahoo Fantasy Plus unlocks it all] Randy Rodriguez, RP, San Francisco Giants, 30% If we omit two starters (Kris Bubic, Drew Rasmussen) who have relief eligibility, Rodriguez has been the eighth most productive fantasy reliever this season. The 25-year-old has the skills to back up his success (0.90 ERA, 0.73 WHIP), which includes a ridiculous 44:5 K:BB ratio. All of Rodriguez's ERA estimators are below 2.00, and he should be streamed in every league with daily roster moves and innings pitched limits. Alejandro Kirk, C, Toronto Blue Jays, 33% Kirk deserves much more fantasy attention after hitting .393 with a .958 OPS since May 1. His successful season is backed up by major skill improvements, which include a reduced 10.1% strikeout rate and an outstanding 92.8 mph average exit velocity. His .312 xBA is among the best in baseball, and although Kirk doesn't provide elite power numbers, his .502 xSLG is significantly higher than his actual mark. Blue Jays manager John Schneider raves about the work that Kirk does defensively, and the skipper has been regularly batting his catcher in the heart of the lineup. Kirk's slow speed will always lead to a poor runs scored total, but the rest of his numbers are quite appealing. Christian Encarnacion-Strand, 1B, Cincinnati Reds, 38% The first base position is far from loaded this year. In fact, there are just two first basemen who have produced more than 10 homers and a batting average over .260. With many teams needing an impact player at the position, Encarnacion-Strand should attract plenty of attention. The 25-year-old has plenty of upside, which he showed as a rookie in 2023 when he hit .270 with 13 home runs in 63 games. He recently returned from nearly two months on the IL and made his presence known right away by hitting .333 with three homers in six games. He's worth a roster spot for those who need a slugger. Nick Kurtz, 1B, Athletics, 25% The roller coaster ride of Kurtz perfectly shows the fickle nature of fantasy managers. The 22-year-old was a hot commodity when he arrived to the Majors on April 23. After all, Kurtz was one of baseball's best prospects and was joining a team with a hitter-friendly home park that had cleared a full-time role for him. Unfortunately, a few weeks later, Kurtz had returned to waivers in most leagues, as he was batting .208 with one homer on May 19. The youngster seemed to find his football on May 20, and he went deep four times over his next five games, briefly regaining the attention of fantasy managers, before he suddenly landed on the IL with a strained hip flexor. Kurtz is back in action, and still has the upside that made him such a big deal when he arrived earlier in the season. Chase Meidroth, 2B/SS, Chicago White Sox, 23% Managers who are looking for a speed source with solid plate skills should add Meidroth right away. The rookie has collected eight steals in 46 games, which puts him on a 28-steal pace over a full season. He is also hitting .287, and his most remarkable accomplishment so far is his lofty 23:24 BB:K ratio. We rarely see youngsters command the strike zone, and Meidroth will receive all the playing time he can handle this week. He also has made appearances at 3B and SS, which offers hope that he will soon be a fantasy option at three spots. Evan Carter, OF, Texas Rangers, 25% Injuries and ineffectiveness have made Carter, who was one of the best stories in baseball down the stretch in 2023, a post-hype sleeper. The youngster returned from the IL on June 3, and in eight games has hit .440 with three homers, two steals and a 1.380 OPS. He needs to show more before he becomes a roster fixture in standard Yahoo formats, but this is the perfect time to give the lefty swinger a chance. The Rangers will spend the weekend facing three manageable right-handed starters and a White Sox bullpen that lacks reliable options.
