The United States military is reportedly considering deploying its largest non-nuclear bomb against Iran if President Donald Trump orders a resumption of combat operations, according to a CNN report published on Wednesday, October 14.
The proposed weapon is the GBU-43/B Massive Ordnance Air Blast (MOAB), widely known as the “Mother of All Bombs”. It could be used against Iranian energy infrastructure and nuclear-related facilities as Washington weighs further military options amid a stalemate in the conflict.
CNN cited multiple US officials and individuals familiar with internal military planning discussions. However, the report does not indicate that a final decision has been made to deploy the weapon.
The possibility of using the bomb has raised questions about the effectiveness of the proposed strikes, the potential for civilian casualties and the wider consequences of another escalation in the conflict.
1. US Military Reportedly Draws Up New Strike Plans
According to CNN, US military planners have developed additional strike options that could be used if Trump decides to resume combat operations against Iran.
The proposed targets reportedly include energy infrastructure and nuclear-related facilities. One source familiar with the planning told CNN that the additional strike packages included attacks against a substantial amount of Iranian energy infrastructure.
Another source said military plans involving Iranian nuclear sites, including a location known as Pickaxe Mountain, explicitly considered the possible use of the MOAB.
The plans are reportedly part of broader discussions within the Trump administration about how to approach the conflict and what military options could remain available.
CNN reported that advisers have discussed different approaches, while uncertainty remains over whether the president will authorise further strikes.
The White House has not publicly confirmed a decision to use the MOAB against Iran.
2. What Is the ‘Mother of All Bombs’?
The GBU-43/B Massive Ordnance Air Blast bomb is a GPS-guided conventional weapon weighing approximately 21,600 pounds, or 9.8 metric tonnes.
It is the largest non-nuclear bomb in the US military arsenal and is designed to deliver an extremely powerful blast over a wide area.
Despite its dramatic nickname, the MOAB is not a nuclear weapon. Its destructive effects come from a conventional high-explosive warhead.
The United States first used the bomb in combat in April 2017, when it was deployed against an Islamic State tunnel complex in Afghanistan during Trump’s first presidency.
Its potential use against Iran would mark a new development in the current conflict, according to the CNN report.
However, the weapon’s size and explosive power do not necessarily mean it can destroy every type of military target.
3. Doubts Over Its Ability to Destroy Underground Nuclear Sites
One of the major concerns raised by officials familiar with the military planning is whether the MOAB could effectively destroy heavily fortified nuclear facilities located deep underground.
Some Iranian nuclear-related sites are believed by the United States and Israel to be protected by substantial layers of rock and other defensive structures.
CNN reported that officials questioned whether the MOAB could penetrate deeply enough to destroy facilities such as the suspected underground complex at Pickaxe Mountain.
One source familiar with the discussions described the bomb as a weapon better suited to clearing large areas than penetrating deeply buried targets.
This distinction is important because the weapon’s powerful surface blast may not be sufficient to destroy infrastructure protected beneath thick layers of rock.
The report suggests that, although the MOAB is being considered as one possible option, its effectiveness against the intended underground targets remains uncertain.
4. Potential Civilian Casualties Raise Concerns
The possible use of the MOAB has also raised concerns about civilian casualties, particularly if strikes are directed at infrastructure near populated areas.
Because the bomb produces a powerful blast across a broad area, its deployment could threaten nearby buildings, civilian facilities and people who are not directly involved in the fighting.
Energy infrastructure can also support essential services, meaning attacks on such facilities may have consequences extending beyond their immediate military objectives.
The extent of any civilian impact would depend on the location of a strike, the surrounding environment and the specific target selected.
At this stage, no deployment has been confirmed, and the potential consequences remain hypothetical.
Nevertheless, the reported plans underline the risks associated with expanding military operations in areas where civilian populations and critical infrastructure could be affected.
5. Diplomatic Stalemate Leaves Future of Conflict Uncertain
The reported consideration of the MOAB comes as efforts to resolve the conflict remain uncertain.
The United States and Israel have said their military campaign was intended to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons. Tehran has repeatedly denied seeking to develop nuclear weapons.
Meanwhile, Washington has been considering a range of military and economic measures as it seeks to influence Iran’s position.
The prospect of renewed strikes could complicate diplomatic efforts and increase the risk of further retaliation, although the direction of the conflict remains unclear.
CNN also reported that the potential timing of additional military action has been discussed in the context of the November midterm elections in the United States. However, the report does not establish that electoral considerations will determine whether the weapon is used.
For now, the key distinction is between military planning and an authorised attack. The reported inclusion of the MOAB in potential strike options does not mean it will necessarily be deployed.
Whether Washington ultimately chooses renewed military action, continued economic pressure or further diplomatic engagement remains to be seen.
Source: CNN, with additional reporting by Reuters.
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Reuters — Report on potential future US strikes against Iran. Reuters noted it could not independently verify CNN’s report.
