US Weighs ‘Mother of All Bombs’ in Potential New Strikes on Iran

The United States military has developed additional strike plans targeting Iranian energy infrastructure and nuclear facilities, including the possible use of its largest non-nuclear bomb, the GBU-43/B Massive Ordnance Air Blast (MOAB), according to US officials cited by CNN.

The plans could be activated if President Donald Trump orders a resumption of combat operations, potentially before or after the upcoming US midterm elections.

Deploying the bomb, widely known as the “Mother of All Bombs,” would mark a significant escalation in the conflict. However, officials familiar with the planning have questioned whether the weapon could deliver meaningful strategic gains against Iran’s fortified nuclear facilities.

The reported plans come as Trump faces domestic political pressure to end the war, which has become unpopular among many Americans. Meanwhile, there are few clear signs of an imminent diplomatic agreement between Washington and Tehran after more than six months of US bombing, CNN reported.

Trump Seeks a Way to End the Conflict

According to the report, Trump and his advisers have been considering military options that could provide a symbolic declaration of victory while allowing US forces to withdraw from the region.

Although Trump has publicly indicated that he would not launch additional strikes before the midterm elections, some administration officials reportedly remain uncertain whether that position is final.

One source told CNN that Trump had ordered the military to prepare additional strike options targeting Iranian energy infrastructure. The planning reportedly included the possibility of carrying out attacks before US forces begin withdrawing from the US Central Command area of responsibility.

Another source said plans targeting Iranian nuclear sites, including the suspected underground facility at Pickaxe Mountain, also included potential use of the MOAB.

The United States and Israel believe Iran has stored components of its nuclear programme at the site. Trump has repeatedly said preventing Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapon remains a central objective of US policy.

Questions Over the Bomb’s Effectiveness

Despite its enormous explosive power, the MOAB may not be suitable for destroying deeply buried nuclear facilities.

The bomb weighs approximately 21,600 pounds and is designed to detonate in the air, generating a powerful blast over a wide area. However, it is not a specialised deep-penetration weapon.

Sources cited by CNN said the bomb could cause extensive destruction at the surface but might struggle to reach facilities protected by thick layers of granite and other underground fortifications.

One source familiar with the military discussions described the weapon as better suited to clearing large areas than penetrating hardened underground targets.

Its potential use could also raise serious concerns about civilian casualties, particularly if infrastructure targets are situated near populated areas or other non-military facilities.

Nevertheless, some officials reportedly believe the weapon could have psychological value by demonstrating US military power and increasing pressure on Tehran, even if it fails to achieve decisive military objectives.

Ground Operation Remains a Major Concern

The report said some analysts believe a decisive military defeat of Iran would require a major ground operation, potentially exposing thousands of American troops to danger.

However, Trump has indicated little appetite for deploying US ground forces into Iran. The administration is instead reportedly exploring options that could create an opportunity to reduce military involvement without appearing to retreat.

Some of the options have been described by sources as a dramatic show of force intended to give Trump a political exit from the conflict, even if the strikes do not achieve all the objectives originally set out by the administration.

US military planners are also reportedly preparing for possible Iranian retaliation should further attacks be authorised.

A rotation of US troops deployed to the Central Command region is expected in the coming weeks, although one official said it remained possible that some departing personnel would not be replaced.

White House Keeps Military Options Open

Asked about the reported plans, a White House official told CNN that the administration would not comment on sensitive military scenarios, adding that Trump was keeping all options available to prevent Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon.

A Pentagon official similarly said the department plans for a wide range of operational scenarios to carry out presidential and senior defence leadership directives.

The MOAB was developed during the Iraq War and was first used in combat in April 2017, when Trump authorised a strike against an Islamic State tunnel complex in Afghanistan.

Afghan officials reported that the attack killed 36 Islamic State fighters. Officials at the time said the blast destroyed three underground tunnels, along with weapons and ammunition, and that no civilians were killed.

Whether the weapon will be used against Iran remains uncertain. The reported plans represent military options under consideration, not confirmation that Trump has authorised another attack.