Trump Reportedly Considers Using 'Mother of All Bombs' Against Iran
Amid pressure to end the conflict, President Trump is reportedly exploring options including the use of the GBU-43/B MOAB on Iranian nuclear facilities and energy infrastructure.
President Donald Trump is reportedly considering the deployment of the GBU-43/B Massive Ordnance Air Blast (MOAB) bomb, also known as the "mother of all bombs," against Iran as the administration faces pressure to conclude the six-month conflict. Plans developed by the Pentagon could see the 21,600-pound weapon used against Iranian nuclear facilities and energy infrastructure, a move that would represent a significant escalation.
The MOAB is capable of devastating an area equivalent to nine city blocks. However, military insiders have expressed skepticism about its effectiveness in achieving Trump's objective of forcing Tehran's submission, particularly against deeply buried nuclear installations. The weapon is designed for a large blast radius rather than deep penetration.
Sources familiar with Pentagon planning told CNN that the proposals, which could be implemented before or after the upcoming midterm elections, include strikes on "a lot of energy infrastructure." The White House has not confirmed these plans, with an official stating only that "President Trump keeps all options on the table to ensure that Iran can never have a nuclear weapon." The Pentagon also declined to comment on specific operations, noting only that it "plans for a wide range of operational scenarios."
The administration is reportedly seeking a way for Trump to declare victory and withdraw forces without appearing to have conceded. One suggested approach involves a final, overwhelming bombardment before announcing withdrawal. The MOAB is explicitly mentioned in plans to target suspected Iranian nuclear sites, such as the heavily fortified Pickaxe Mountain complex, which US and Israeli officials believe may house components of Iran's nuclear program.
Despite the MOAB's immense destructive power, its ability to penetrate the granite believed to protect underground facilities is doubted by military experts. Unlike specialized bunker-busting weapons, the MOAB detonates above ground. This could lead to significant above-ground damage while leaving deeply buried installations largely intact. The bomb's wide blast radius also raises concerns about potential civilian casualties, particularly if targets are near populated areas.
Some officials believe the psychological impact of deploying such a weapon could demonstrate overwhelming US military strength without initiating a full-scale bombing campaign. This comes as Trump faces mounting frustration over the prolonged conflict and concerns that it could negatively impact Republican prospects in the midterms. The president reportedly fears that withdrawing forces without a clear victory would be perceived as a defeat.
Earlier proposals for a "fireworks show" or "symbolic" victory have also been considered, including an agreement to reopen the Strait of Hormuz. However, officials acknowledge that further bombing alone may not compel Iran's leadership to surrender or abandon its nuclear ambitions. A decisive military defeat of Iran would likely require a large-scale ground operation, a prospect for which Trump has shown little appetite.
The MOAB was originally developed ahead of the 2003 invasion of Iraq, intended to terrify enemy forces into surrender. Its combat use was authorized by Trump in April 2017, when it was dropped on an ISIS tunnel complex in Afghanistan. The weapon weighs 21,600 pounds and is GPS-guided. Each MOAB costs approximately $16 million, with the US military possessing around 20 such bombs.