Pentagon Reportedly Considers Using 'Mother Of All Bombs' Against Iran
10 hours ago
The U.S. military is reportedly considering using its largest non-nuclear bomb in potential strikes against Iran as the Trump administration evaluates additional military options in the ongoing conflict.
According to CNN, Pentagon officials have developed new strike plans that could include deploying the GBU-43/B Massive Ordnance Air Blast Bomb, commonly known as the "Mother of All Bombs," or MOAB.
The plans reportedly include potential strikes against Iranian energy infrastructure and nuclear facilities if President Donald Trump authorizes renewed combat operations.
Among the possible targets is Pickaxe Mountain, a suspected Iranian nuclear facility believed to be protected by thick layers of rock.
The MOAB weighs approximately 21,600 pounds and is designed to produce an enormous explosion across a wide area. However, military officials have reportedly raised questions about whether the weapon could effectively destroy facilities located deep underground.
The bomb was first used in combat in April 2017, during Trump's first term, when U.S. forces targeted an ISIS tunnel complex in Afghanistan.
Its potential deployment against Iran would represent a significant escalation in the conflict, although no final decision has been announced.
CNN reports that some officials have also expressed concerns about the possibility of civilian casualties, particularly if the weapon were used near populated areas or critical infrastructure.
The White House declined to discuss specific military plans but reiterated that President Trump is keeping his options open to prevent Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon.
The Pentagon also emphasized that military planners routinely prepare for a range of possible operations.
The reported discussions come as Trump continues predicting that the conflict with Iran will end soon, while maintaining that Tehran will not be allowed to develop a nuclear weapon.
For now, the possible use of the MOAB remains a contingency plan, with no confirmed authorization for a strike.
According to CNN, Pentagon officials have developed new strike plans that could include deploying the GBU-43/B Massive Ordnance Air Blast Bomb, commonly known as the "Mother of All Bombs," or MOAB.
The plans reportedly include potential strikes against Iranian energy infrastructure and nuclear facilities if President Donald Trump authorizes renewed combat operations.
Among the possible targets is Pickaxe Mountain, a suspected Iranian nuclear facility believed to be protected by thick layers of rock.
The MOAB weighs approximately 21,600 pounds and is designed to produce an enormous explosion across a wide area. However, military officials have reportedly raised questions about whether the weapon could effectively destroy facilities located deep underground.
The bomb was first used in combat in April 2017, during Trump's first term, when U.S. forces targeted an ISIS tunnel complex in Afghanistan.
Its potential deployment against Iran would represent a significant escalation in the conflict, although no final decision has been announced.
CNN reports that some officials have also expressed concerns about the possibility of civilian casualties, particularly if the weapon were used near populated areas or critical infrastructure.
The White House declined to discuss specific military plans but reiterated that President Trump is keeping his options open to prevent Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon.
The Pentagon also emphasized that military planners routinely prepare for a range of possible operations.
The reported discussions come as Trump continues predicting that the conflict with Iran will end soon, while maintaining that Tehran will not be allowed to develop a nuclear weapon.
For now, the possible use of the MOAB remains a contingency plan, with no confirmed authorization for a strike.
