'Mother of all bombs': US potential Iran strike plans include largest non-nuclear weapon - report

The United States military has reportedly prepared strike plans against Iran that involve the use of the GBU-43/B Massive Ordnance Air Blast Bomb, widely known as the "mother of all bombs" - the largest non-nuclear weapon in the US arsenal. According to CNN, these plans suggest the MOAB would be targeted at Iranian energy infrastructure and nuclear sites, like the Pickaxe Mountain facility.

Another source indicated that the US would execute the attack "prior to US retrograde in CENTCOM AOR" - meaning the US might strike Iran and then withdraw its forces from the region. Some of President Donald Trump's advisors have told CNN that, despite Trump's assurances he would not take further action against Iran before the US midterms, his stance remains uncertain before Election Day.

Using the largest non-nuclear bomb in the US arsenal would represent a significant escalation in the conflict, though military planning discussions have raised questions about the bomb's effectiveness in achieving Washington's strategic objectives. The MOAB's primary advantage in this scenario is its psychological impact on Iran, as it is not designed for deep penetration, according to sources familiar with military planning.

The White House spokesperson stated that President Trump "keeps all options on the table" to prevent Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon, while the Pentagon explained that they develop plans for various operational scenarios to ensure mission success in any environment.