Trump considers 'mother of all bombs' attack on Iran's nuclear and energy facilities: What is it?

US President Donald Trump is considering using the massive GBU-43/B Massive Ordnance Air Blast bomb, popularly known as the “mother of all bombs” or MOAB, in potential attacks against Iran’s nuclear facilities and energy infrastructure, CNN reported, citing several US officials familiar with military planning.

The US military has developed additional strike options that could be deployed if Trump orders a resumption of combat operations, the report said. Proposed targets include energy infrastructure and nuclear facilities, such as Pickaxe Mountain, where the US and Israel believe Iran stores components of its nuclear program.

But officials and analysts cited by the news site doubted whether the bomb could penetrate deep enough to destroy heavily fortified underground nuclear facilities or provide a decisive military advantage.

What is the “mother of all bombs”?

The GBU-43/B Massive Ordnance Air Blast is the largest non-nuclear bomb in the US military’s arsenal. Weighing approximately 21,600 pounds (9,800 kg), it was developed during the Iraq War and first deployed in combat in Afghanistan in 2017, during Trump’s first term as president.

The GPS-guided weapon is designed to explode before hitting the ground, creating a powerful blast that spreads outward over a large area. According to CNN, its destructive reach can cover an area equivalent to about nine city blocks.

Unlike conventional bunker busting bombs designed to penetrate deep into the ground before exploding, the MOAB is primarily an air weapon. Its effects are concentrated above the surface, making it suitable for striking large formations of troops, equipment, and certain fortified ground positions.

During its development, US military officials saw the weapon in part as a psychological tool designed to intimidate enemy forces and encourage surrender.

Can the MOAB destroy Iran’s underground nuclear facilities?

The question remains whether the bomb would be effective against Iran’s most heavily fortified nuclear facilities.

According to CNN, military planning discussions included the possible use of MOABs against Pickaxe Mountain and other Iranian nuclear targets. However, sources familiar with the discussions said the bomb may not penetrate deep enough to destroy facilities protected by layers of granite and other underground fortifications.

One source reportedly described the MOAB as a weapon suited to clearing large areas rather than penetrating deep underground.

The bomb could still cause widespread destruction on the surface, especially against power infrastructure and other exposed targets. But its large blast radius could also raise concerns about civilian casualties if strikes were to occur near populated areas or non-military installations.

The potential deployment therefore represents the difference between the weapon’s dramatic destructive power and its ability to achieve Trump’s stated goal of ensuring that Iran never acquires a nuclear weapon.

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Why is Trump considering a strike?

CNN reported that US military planners have developed a number of options as the administration looks for a way to end the conflict while allowing Trump to claim a symbolic victory.

The president is facing pressure to end the war due to concerns about its unpopularity ahead of the midterm elections. However, he also argued that withdrawing American forces without achieving his goals could appear as a defeat.

Some options reportedly include striking remaining targets before a possible withdrawal of US personnel from the region. Officials question whether such attacks would achieve a lasting strategic result or serve primarily as a dramatic show of military power.

A White House official told CNN the administration does not comment on sensitive military plans that may or may not exist, adding that Trump is leaving all options available to prevent Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon.

When was MOAB last used?

Trump authorized the first combat deployment of the MOAB in April 2017 against Islamic State positions in Afghanistan. Afghan officials said the attack killed 36 ISIS fighters and destroyed underground tunnels, weapons and ammunition. Afghan and American officials did not report any civilian casualties at the time.

Thus, the potential use of the weapon against Iran would be its second known combat deployment, if it were to occur.

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