The United States may deploy its largest non-nuclear weapon against Iranian nuclear and energy facilities if President Donald Trump orders additional military strikes, according to CNN.
The report states that the mission could utilize the GBU-43/B Massive Ordnance Air Blast (MOAB), frequently called the “mother of all bombs.”
According to the report, the MOAB is one of the munitions being considered in the expanded strike strategies authorized by Trump to target Iranian energy infrastructure.
The plans reportedly also involve the possible deployment of the weapon against Iranian nuclear facilities, such as Pickaxe Mountain.
However, officials have not announced any formal decision to execute the proposed strikes.
Sources familiar with the matter told CNN that Trump “keeps all options on the table” to prevent Iran from developing a nuclear weapon, though the administration refuses to comment on classified military planning.
Weighing roughly 9.8 tons, the MOAB is designed to produce a powerful blast over a wide surface area rather than pierce deeply buried objectives.
Consequently, questions have been raised about its effectiveness against Iran’s nuclear installations protected by thick layers of rock.
An insider familiar with military strategy noted that the device was “certainly not meant as a deep penetrating weapon,” though it excels at clearing extensive surface areas.
Additionally, deploying the munition near populated locations could spark significant concerns regarding civilian casualties due to its massive blast radius.
The U.S. previously deployed the MOAB in combat for the first time during Donald Trump’s initial term in April 2017, targeting an ISIS tunnel network in Afghanistan.
Backstory…
The reported plan to use the “mother of all bombs” comes amid the ongoing Iran war and conflict that has continued for months, with Washington struggling to secure an outcome it can present as a victory while pursuing its stated goal of preventing Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapon.
According to a CNN report published on October 14 and carried by Reuters, US military planners have prepared additional strike options targeting Iranian energy infrastructure and nuclear facilities if President Donald Trump orders renewed attacks.
The dispute has centred on Iran’s nuclear programme, US military pressure and the strategic importance of the Strait of Hormuz, a key route for global oil shipments.
Earlier efforts to pause the fighting and pursue negotiations have failed to produce a lasting settlement, while disagreements over the strait, sanctions and Iran’s nuclear activities have kept tensions high.
Read Also: Iran War: Vance Demands Meaningful Cut In Nuclear Enrichment To End Conflict
