WASHINGTON: The United States is considering deploying its largest non-nuclear bomb against Iran if President Donald Trump decides to resume combat amid the stalled conflict, CNN reported on Thursday.
According to the report, US military planners are assessing the possible use of the GBU-43/B Massive Ordnance Air Blast (MOAB), widely known as the “Mother of All Bombs”. Officials familiar with the discussions said potential targets could include Iranian energy infrastructure and nuclear sites.
However, officials have questioned whether the weapon would be effective against suspected underground nuclear facilities.
Questions Over Bomb’s Effectiveness
The MOAB is designed to destroy targets across a large area rather than penetrate deeply buried structures.
“The MOAB is a massive information operation type weapon that is great for huge area clearance but not much else,” a source familiar with the plans told CNN.
“It is definitely not designed as a deep penetration warhead,” the source added.
The potential deployment has also raised concerns about civilian casualties because of the bomb’s destructive power.
The United States and Israel have said their war against Iran was necessary to prevent Tehran from acquiring nuclear weapons. Iran has long denied seeking to develop nuclear weapons.
Diplomatic Efforts Remain Stalled
The conflict began with US-Israeli strikes on Iran in February. Diplomatic efforts to end the fighting have remained at an impasse since the summer.
Washington has recently reduced its military operations while increasing its reliance on economic pressure.
The reported military planning comes as Trump faces November’s midterm elections. Polls cited in the report indicate that public opposition to the war, alongside rising fuel and other prices, has become a challenge for his Republican Party.
The Pentagon had not immediately responded to an AFP request for comment.
MOAB Used in Afghanistan in 2017
The US military first used the MOAB in combat in April 2017, when it dropped the bomb on an Islamic State group, also known as Daesh, complex of tunnels and bunkers in Afghanistan.
The strike killed more than 90 militants, according to reports at the time.
The latest discussions remain contingency planning, and no decision to use the bomb against Iran has been announced.
