US Military Plans Use of 'Mother of All Bombs' Against Iran
Translated & summarized from Alarab by baba
The U.S. military has reportedly planned to use the "Mother of All Bombs" against Iranian targets if President Donald Trump orders renewed combat operations. This comes amid stalled diplomacy and a significant increase in attacks on ships in the Strait of Hormuz. Israel's Chief of Staff warned of escalating tensions before the October 27 elections, while Iran's Revolutionary Guard stated a U.S. attack before the November 3 midterms is a "realistic possibility."
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- US military plans reportedly include using the "Mother of All Bombs" against Iran if combat resumes.
- At least ten ships have been attacked in the Strait of Hormuz since Sunday, the highest number since the conflict began.
- Israeli Army Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir warned of increasing escalation risks before the October 27 Knesset elections.
- Iran's Revolutionary Guard spokesperson called a US attack before the November 3 midterms a "realistic possibility."
- Diplomatic efforts between Tehran and Washington remain stalled despite mediation attempts.
Amid escalating regional tensions, U.S. media reports indicate that the U.S. military has developed plans to potentially deploy the GBU-43/B, known as the "Mother of All Bombs," against Iranian energy infrastructure and nuclear sites. This contingency would be enacted if President Donald Trump orders a resumption of combat operations against Iran. The GBU-43/B is the largest non-nuclear weapon in the U.S. arsenal, and its use would signify a dangerous escalation in the conflict. However, officials familiar with military planning discussions have raised questions about its strategic effectiveness.
Diplomatic efforts between Tehran and Washington remain stalled despite ongoing communication and mediation attempts, notably by Qatar, aimed at de-escalation and renewed negotiations. This diplomatic impasse coincides with a surge in regional tensions, including increased Iranian attacks on vessels in the Strait of Hormuz and heightened U.S. threats. There are also reports of a potential Israeli strike ahead of the Knesset elections on October 27.
Security data released on Wednesday revealed that at least ten ships have been attacked in or near the Strait of Hormuz since Sunday, the highest number since the conflict began. Attacks on Tuesday affected four vessels, while six were targeted on Sunday, marking the single deadliest day for shipping. Maritime sources reported the loss of two sailors and the sinking of a container ship.
Israeli Army Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir warned on Tuesday that the likelihood of escalation before the October 27 Knesset elections is increasing. During a situation assessment with the IDF's Central Command, Zamir noted that heightened warnings across all fronts and the sensitive election period contribute to this increased risk. He also stated that forces have been reinforced across all areas, including the deployment of the 98th Division to the West Bank, to enhance security and stability.
Conversely, Hussein Mohibi, spokesperson for Iran's Revolutionary Guard, stated that a U.S. attack on Iran before the November 3 U.S. midterm elections remains a "realistic possibility." Mohibi told the Tehran Times that the Trump administration might seek a demonstrable success before the elections and that Iran is prepared for such a scenario, warning of a response that the U.S. would regret. This comes despite President Trump's denials of such plans.
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