US Considers Using 'Mother of All Bombs' Against Iran

The U.S. military is reportedly considering the use of its most powerful bunker-buster bombs, including the GBU-57 MOP, weighing approximately 30,000 pounds and nicknamed "the mother of all bombs," to strike deep Iranian infrastructure. This consideration comes amid economic measures aimed at stabilizing energy prices and potentially easing sanctions on oil tankers from Iran's "shadow fleet." The U.S. military has developed new attack plans against Iran, which include the possibility of employing the massive GBU-43/B bomb, also known as "the mother of all bombs," against Iranian energy infrastructure and nuclear facilities. These options were prepared in case President Donald Trump orders a renewal of military operations, either before or after the November 3 midterm elections, according to CNN, citing several U.S. officials familiar with the plans.

While the GBU-43/B is the most powerful non-nuclear weapon in the American arsenal, officials involved in the discussions are skeptical about its ability to achieve the administration's strategic objectives or secure a decisive victory. For months, Trump and his advisors have discussed options for a military move that could be perceived as a decisive end to the conflict, at least psychologically. Although some senior officials have declared the campaign a U.S. victory, Trump has avoided claiming success, stating that Americans still have tasks in Iran. He has also expressed doubts about allies' recommendations to withdraw U.S. forces, fearing it could be seen as a defeat.

According to one source, Trump has ordered the military to prepare additional strike packages against Iranian targets, including "a lot of energy infrastructure" and the potential use of the MOAB. This planning is described as an attack to be carried out "before the withdrawal of U.S. forces from the area of responsibility of the U.S. Central Command." The plans against Iranian nuclear facilities specifically include the possibility of using the giant bomb against a site known as "Mount Machush," believed to store components of Iran's nuclear program. Trump has previously threatened to attack this site multiple times.

However, other U.S. officials explained that military planning involves preparing a range of options for decision-makers. While deep underground targets require heavier ordnance, and the MOAB is the largest bomb in the U.S. arsenal, there are doubts about its suitability for destroying Iran's underground nuclear facilities. The GPS-guided GBU-43/B weighs about 9.8 tons and can cause destruction over a vast area. Unlike specialized bunker-buster bombs, the MOAB was primarily designed to create a massive blast wave above ground, potentially making it ineffective against deeply buried facilities protected by granite layers or other hardened nuclear sites.

One source described the MOAB as mainly a "huge psychological operations weapon" excellent for clearing large areas but not for deep penetration. Its use is expected to cause immense destruction on the surface, with the large blast radius raising significant concerns about civilian casualties if used near populated areas. Despite doubts about its operational effectiveness, the administration is considering using the bomb to exert psychological pressure on Iran's leadership, which has remained entrenched in its positions. The use of such a powerful weapon could serve as a means to alter the status quo without necessarily escalating the war.

Some within and outside the administration believe a decisive military victory would require a large-scale ground operation, which could result in thousands of U.S. casualties. While the Pentagon has plans for various scenarios, including ground operations, no one in the administration is currently pushing for such a move. Trump has expressed little interest in sending ground troops to Iran but wants to end the conflict quickly. A key consideration is how to allow the president to present a significant military achievement to the American public without precluding a diplomatic settlement.

One possible step in a diplomatic settlement is the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz. Some military planners have developed attack options that could amount to a "fireworks show" to provide Trump a way to end the war, even if the strikes themselves do not achieve their original objectives. Although Trump recently stated he would not launch further attacks before the midterm elections, some advisors privately admit uncertainty about whether this is a final decision. The U.S. military is preparing for a potential Iranian response if attacks are renewed. The next troop rotation in U.S. Central Command is expected soon, and some personnel may not be replaced. A White House official declined to comment on operational plans, stating, "We do not comment on sensitive military plans, whether they exist or not," adding that "President Trump leaves all options on the table to ensure Iran can never obtain nuclear weapons."