President Donald Trump is weighing the use of America’s most powerful non-nuclear bomb in a new strike against Iran as pressure intensifies to bring the deeply unpopular six-month war to an end.
The Pentagon has drawn up plans to deploy the 21,600-pound “mother of all bombs” against Iranian nuclear sites and energy infrastructure. If approved, the operation would mark a dramatic escalation in the conflict.
Officially designated the GBU-43/B Massive Ordnance Air Blast bomb, or MOAB, the weapon can devastate an area roughly equivalent to nine city blocks.
However, military insiders caution that even a massive explosion may do little to advance Trump’s broader goal of forcing Tehran to submit.
The plans were reported by CNN after conversations with several US officials. The proposals could be carried out either before or after November’s midterm elections if Trump approves a renewed military campaign.
Trump has publicly promised not to launch new attacks before voters go to the polls, although some of his advisers privately question whether that commitment will last.
Behind closed doors, administration officials are reportedly searching for a way for Trump to claim victory and withdraw US forces without creating the impression that he has retreated.
One source told CNN that the latest proposals include attacks on “a lot of energy infrastructure” as well as the possible use of the MOAB.
A Massive Ordnance Air Blast (MOAB) weapon is prepared for testing at the Eglin Air Force Armament Center in March 2003
A Massive Ordnance Air Blast (MOAB) bomb is launched in November 2003 at Eglin Air Force Base, Florida
Trump is under mounting pressure to end the six-month war but reportedly fears that withdrawing US forces without a decisive victory would make him appear defeated
The proposed operation was reportedly discussed as occurring “prior to US retrograde in CENTCOM AOR (area of responsibility).”
The wording indicates that the White House could authorize a final, overwhelming bombardment before declaring victory and quickly pulling troops out of the region.
Another source said the massive weapon is specifically included in plans targeting Iran’s suspected nuclear facilities, including the heavily fortified Pickaxe Mountain complex.
US and Israeli officials believe Tehran has stored parts of its nuclear program at the site, which Trump has repeatedly threatened to strike.
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Despite its immense destructive force, military experts doubt the MOAB could penetrate the thick granite layers thought to shield the underground facility.
Unlike specialized bunker-busting weapons, the MOAB is designed mainly to produce a devastating blast over a wide area rather than burrow deep beneath the ground.
“The MOAB is a massive information operation type weapon that is great for huge area clearance but not much else,” a source familiar with Pentagon planning told CNN.
“It is definitely not designed as a deep penetration warhead.”
Nicknamed the “mother of all bombs,” the 21,600-pound MOAB generates an enormous shockwave capable of devastating vast areas, although experts warn that it is poorly suited to destroying nuclear facilities buried deep underground
The weapon could inflict catastrophic damage above ground while leaving deeply buried nuclear installations largely intact.
Its enormous blast radius would also raise serious concerns about civilian casualties, particularly if Iranian energy facilities near populated areas were targeted.
Nevertheless, some officials believe the psychological impact of dropping such a terrifying weapon could demonstrate overwhelming American military strength without restarting a full-scale bombing campaign.
‘POTUS has unfortunately put himself in a situation where he is almost compelled to do something and, without the ammunition designed to penetrate that level … you have to look at psychological effects for which the MOAB is well-equipped,’ the source added.
The dilemma comes as Trump confronts growing frustration over a war that has dragged on for more than six months without a negotiated settlement.
Republicans are increasingly anxious that the conflict could damage their electoral prospects in the approaching midterms, while the president remains reluctant to withdraw without securing a clear victory.
Although some administration officials have suggested the United States has effectively won, Trump has stopped short of declaring the conflict over.
He has also reportedly resisted suggestions from outside allies that he should simply bring American forces home, arguing that such a withdrawal would be perceived as defeat.
Instead, senior advisers have spent weeks searching for a military or diplomatic breakthrough that would allow the administration to claim a decisive success.
