The US military has reportedly developed new strike plans that could involve the “Mother of All Bombs” against Iran. The plans may target Iranian energy infrastructure and nuclear facilities if President Donald Trump orders renewed military action. CNN reported the development on October 15, citing US officials familiar with the discussions. Reuters said it could not independently verify the report. The proposed weapon is the GBU-43/B Massive Ordnance Air Blast bomb, commonly called the MOAB. It is the largest non-nuclear bomb in the US military’s arsenal. Its possible use would mark a significant escalation in the ongoing conflict with Iran.
What is the GBU-43/B Bomb?
The GBU-43/B is a powerful conventional weapon designed to create a massive blast over a wide area. The US military first used it in combat in Afghanistan in 2017 against an Islamic State target. Unlike nuclear weapons, the MOAB uses conventional explosives. However, its large blast can cause extensive destruction near the impact area. The weapon is not specifically designed to penetrate deeply buried facilities. This limitation raises questions about its effectiveness against heavily protected underground nuclear sites.
Possible Targets in Iran
According to the report, US military planners have considered strikes against Iranian energy infrastructure and nuclear sites. The plans reportedly include Pickaxe Mountain, a suspected underground nuclear facility. The discussions come as the Trump administration considers its next steps in the conflict. Officials have reportedly prepared additional military options involving important Iranian targets. However, the reported plans do not confirm that an attack will take place. Any renewed operation would depend on a decision by the US president.
Questions remain about Military Effectiveness
Military planners reportedly have doubts about whether the GBU-43/B could achieve Washington’s broader objectives. Its powerful blast may damage surface facilities, but deeply buried sites present different challenges. The weapon’s possible use would also carry wider risks. Strikes against major infrastructure could increase tensions and create further uncertainty across the region. The potential impact would depend on the targets, the scale of any operation, and Iran’s response. The report does not establish that the proposed weapon would destroy Iran’s nuclear capabilities.
US has not confirmed plans to use the GBU-43/B in Iran
The possible use of the MOAB comes amid continued uncertainty over the future of US military operations against Iran. The administration has considered different options while weighing its broader objectives. A White House official told CNN that the administration does not comment on sensitive military plans. The official also said Trump was keeping options available to prevent Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons. For now, the reported proposal remains a military planning option. There has been no confirmed announcement that the US will deploy the GBU-43/B in a new strike against Iran.
Any decision to use the weapon could have significant military and regional consequences. Further developments will depend on official decisions and the changing situation between Washington and Tehran.
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