IRGC Destroys US GBU-57 Bunker-Buster Bombs and Neutralizes 9,500 Bomblets in Iran’s Zanjan

The Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) has announced that its specialized units successfully eliminated multiple advanced US munitions discovered in Iran’s Zanjan Province following recent military tensions.

According to an official statement released on Sunday, IRGC forces identified and destroyed three GBU-57 Massive Ordnance Penetrators (MOPs), while another device was safely defused and transferred to designated authorities. These operations were carried out as part of ongoing efforts to clear unexploded ordnance during the current ceasefire period linked to the US-Israeli military actions against Iran.

The statement confirmed that IRGC teams conducted extensive field operations, resulting in “the discovery and destruction of three GBU-57 bunker-buster missiles as well as the discovery and neutralization of another one, which was safely delivered to the appropriate centers.”

The GBU-57 MOP is recognized as one of the most powerful non-nuclear weapons globally, weighing approximately 30,000 pounds and engineered to penetrate deeply fortified underground structures.

In addition to these high-impact weapons, IRGC forces reported the clearance of more than 9,500 bomblets, allegedly deployed to disrupt and contaminate sensitive locations across Zanjan Province.

Further operations led to the neutralization of multiple missiles and rockets launched from advanced fighter aircraft, including F-15, F-16, and F-35 jets, many of which failed to detonate upon impact. Among these, 52 rockets were destroyed, while 10 others were secured and handed over to relevant authorities for further analysis.

The report also noted the recovery of two cruise missiles, including a GBU-39 type, which had previously been intercepted by Iran’s air defense systems.

The escalation traces back to February 28, when US-Israeli airstrikes targeted Iran, resulting in the assassination of senior Iranian officials and military commanders. In response, Iranian forces reportedly carried out 100 waves of retaliatory strikes on strategic US and Israeli positions in the region.

A Pakistan-mediated ceasefire was implemented on April 8, marking 40 days of conflict. However, diplomatic negotiations between Tehran and Washington have yet to yield a resolution. Although US President Donald Trump extended the truce, Iran has expressed reluctance to re-enter talks, citing Washington’s demands and “naval blockade” as significant obstacles.