Trump ordered new Iran strike plans involving 'mother of all bombs' - CNN
The US military has developed new plans for potential strikes on Iranian energy infrastructure and nuclear facilities, including the possible use of America's largest non-nuclear bomb, CNN reported on October 15, citing multiple US officials familiar with the discussions.
President Donald Trump ordered the military to prepare additional strike options targeting what one source described as "a lot of energy infrastructure," potentially using the GBU-43/B Massive Ordnance Air Blast bomb, commonly known as the "mother of all bombs" or MOAB.
A separate source said plans to strike Iranian nuclear facilities, including the underground site known as Pickaxe Mountain, also explicitly include the weapon.
The plans do not mean a decision to launch new attacks has been made. Trump has publicly pledged not to conduct additional strikes before the US midterm elections, although advisers told CNN they were uncertain whether he would maintain that position.
Questions over military effectiveness
The MOAB weighs approximately 21,600 pounds (9,800 kilograms) and is designed to produce an enormous blast above ground rather than penetrate deeply buried targets.
Sources familiar with the planning questioned whether it could destroy suspected nuclear facilities beneath Pickaxe Mountain, which is believed to be protected by layers of granite.
One source described the weapon as effective for clearing large areas but "definitely not designed as a deep penetration warhead."
Its use against energy infrastructure could also pose substantial risks to civilians, particularly near populated areas.
CNN reported that some officials see a potential strike as a way for Trump to claim a symbolic victory and withdraw US forces from the region, despite doubts that such an attack would force Iran to make concessions or end the conflict.
The White House declined to comment on specific military plans, saying Trump keeps all options available to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons.
The MOAB was previously used by the US military against ISIS positions in Afghanistan in 2017, during Trump's first term. It has not been used in the current conflict with Iran.