The Bunker Buster Act of 2025 would authorize the President to take actions to ensure Israel is prepared for all contingencies if Iran seeks to develop a nuclear weapon. It contemplates building out infrastructure in Israel to accommodate large ordnance systems designed to destroy underground nuclear facilities, training Israeli personnel, and pursuing joint U.S.-Israeli research and development to enhance ordnance capabilities.
The act also creates a framework for storing or transferring the Massive Ordnance Penetrator (MOP) and related munitions under a dual-key control system, with explicit limits and safeguards, and it clarifies that nothing in the act authorizes the use of military force. The findings and sense of Congress establish why this is framed as a deterrence and preparedness measure rather than a new overt authorization for war.
At a Glance
What It Does
The President may act, upon an Israel request and congressional certification, to fund and enable infrastructure, storage, training, and R&D related to large ordnance capable of destroying underground nuclear facilities, including MOP delivery aircraft and basing options.
Who It Affects
U.S. Department of Defense, U.S. defense contractors, the Israeli government and IDF, and allied security partners that might be affected by expanded U.S.–Israel military coordination.
Why It Matters
It sets a formal policy path for deterrence against nuclear Iran, signaling resolve while creating procedural safeguards and joint capabilities with Israel to address underground nuclear infrastructure.
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What This Bill Actually Does
The bill lays out a plan, if Iran pursues nuclear weapons, for the United States to help Israel prepare for all potential scenarios. The core idea is to build and adapt Israeli infrastructure to host and deploy large ordnance designed to destroy underground nuclear sites, to provide and store the Massive Ordnance Penetrator in Israeli territory or under Israeli custody with a dual-key control scheme, and to train Israeli personnel and conduct joint U.S.–Israel research and development on ordnance improvements.
The act also defines what constitutes an appropriate safeguard framework, including alignment with IAEA safeguards, and it explicitly states that the act does not authorize military force. The goal is deterrence and preparedness, rather than a new war authorization.
The provisions are structured to ensure that any such actions would only occur with a presidential determination and congressional certification, and with careful oversight. In practice, this means a managed enhancement of U.S.–Israel military coordination and capabilities aimed at preventing or delaying Iran’s potential nuclear advances, while preserving nonproliferation norms and avoiding automatic deployment without strict checks.
The Five Things You Need to Know
The bill authorizes the President to act to ensure Israel is prepared for contingencies if Iran seeks to develop a nuclear weapon.
It requires infrastructure in Israel to support large ordnance systems like the MOP, including runways, delivery aircraft, basing, and storage facilities.
It allows storing or transferring the MOP or related munitions to Israeli custody under a dual-key control system with presidential approval and delegations.
It calls for training of Israeli personnel and joint U.S.–Israel research to improve ordnance and underground-targeting capabilities.
It explicitly states the act does not authorize the use of military force against Iran.
Section-by-Section Breakdown
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Short Title
This section designates the act as the Bunker Buster Act of 2025.
Findings
The findings summarize Iran’s nuclear program indicators, stockpile data, and related IAEA developments, establishing the context for why the United States would consider facilitating Israel’s preparedness against potential Iranian nuclear advances.
Sense of Congress
This section articulates Congress’s view that the United States should pursue extended restrictions on Iran’s enriched uranium, deter Iranian nuclear development with credible military threats, and keep Israel and allies prepared for all contingencies.
A. Infrastructure for MOP and delivery
Authorizes actions to construct Israeli infrastructure to accommodate extended-range, underground-targeting ordnance delivery, including runways, delivery aircraft, basing options, and munition storage facilities.
B. MOP storage and dual-key transfer
Provides for storing the MOP or related munitions in Israel, or transferring them to Israeli custody, under criteria that include nonproliferation safeguards, presidential determination of vital national security interests, and a dual-key control mechanism with Presidential oversight.
C. Training and preparation
Permits training of Israeli personnel on the MOP and related munitions to ensure proper handling and readiness.
D. Joint research and development
Authorizes joint U.S.–Israel R&D to enhance U.S. ordnance and develop Israeli capacity to destroy underground infrastructure, including facilities tied to Iran and allied proxies.
E. NPT safeguards definition
Defines the NPT Safeguards Agreement for purposes of the act, grounding the authorities in established nonproliferation safeguards.
Rule of Construction
States that nothing in the act should be construed as authorization for the use of military force against Iran, preserving a dimension of restraint and legal clarity.
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Explore Defense in Codify Search →Who Benefits and Who Bears the Cost
Every bill creates winners and losers. Here's who stands to gain and who bears the cost.
Who Benefits
- Israel Defense Forces and Israeli government benefit from formalized preparedness and access to enhanced capabilities for potential underground targets.
- U.S. Department of Defense gains a framework for integrated planning and interoperability with Israeli forces, plus new ordnance-related capabilities and training.
- U.S. defense contractors and suppliers stand to gain from construction, training, and R&D activities connected to the MOP and related systems.
Who Bears the Cost
- U.S. taxpayers funding infrastructure, training, and storage-related activities via appropriations and security assistance.
- U.S. government agencies responsible for oversight, compliance, and accountability in execution of the program.
- Regional and global nonproliferation diplomacy could face new tensions or scrutiny if the measures are perceived as fueling an arms race or escalation in regional conflict.
Key Issues
The Core Tension
The central dilemma is whether accelerating Israel-ready, underground-targeting capabilities—under strict controls and with U.S. participation—advances deterrence without provoking escalation or undermining nonproliferation norms.
The act foregrounds deterrence and readiness but raises practical and strategic questions. How the United States calibrates presidential determinations, congressional certification, and dual-key control will matter for risk management, escalation dynamics, and the potential for misinterpretation by Iran or regional actors.
The scale of infrastructure and MOP-related activities could prompt shifts in regional balance and provoke responses from Iran and its proxies. Additionally, relying on joint U.S.–Israel development for underground-destruction capabilities anchors a significant domestic commitment and accountability framework that will require careful budgeting, export controls, and interagency coordination to avoid unintended consequences.
These tensions and trade-offs warrant close inquiry as the bill proceeds.
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