U.S. Military May Be Considering Dusting Off The MOAB For Iran

The U.S. military is reportedly preparing plans that could involve the deployment of the “Mother of All Bombs,” the largest non-nuclear bomb in the American arsenal, in potential strikes against Iran, according to multiple reports. These plans, which include targeting Iranian nuclear facilities and energy infrastructure, are part of broader contingency measures being considered by the Pentagon, should President Donald Trump authorize renewed military action. The GBU-43/B Massive Ordnance Air Blast (MOAB) bomb, weighing approximately 21,600 pounds, was first used in combat in 2017 during an operation in Afghanistan against the Islamic State. Military officials have expressed skepticism about the effectiveness of the MOAB against deeply buried structures, such as the Pickaxe Mountain facility near Natanz, which is believed to house Iran's nuclear program. A source familiar with the planning noted that the MOAB is designed for wide-area blast effects rather than deep penetration, making it less suitable for destroying hardened underground installations. This contrasts with specialized bunker-busting bombs previously used in strikes against Iranian nuclear sites. The reported planning comes amid ongoing tensions and uncertainty regarding the future of the conflict, which began with U.S. and Israeli strikes in February. Despite these preparations, there is currently no indication that Trump has authorized new attacks. In a recent address, the president reiterated his commitment to preventing Iran from developing nuclear weapons and suggested that the conflict might soon conclude “one way or the other.” He also claimed that Iran no longer possessed an effective navy or air force and that many of its leaders had been eliminated. The potential use of the MOAB is part of a broader set of strike options being developed by the military, which includes targeting energy infrastructure. However, some military officials question whether such actions would achieve strategic goals or alter the course of the war. The White House has emphasized that all options remain on the table to ensure Iran does not acquire nuclear capabilities, though no specific authorization for new attacks has been confirmed. Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has acknowledged the immense pressure his country faces due to the ongoing conflict. During a recent speech, he stated that Iran has never faced such intense challenges since the Islamic Revolution in 1979. Meanwhile, regional leaders are preparing for continued instability, with Qatar’s emir urging citizens to brace for potential economic hardships linked to the prolonged conflict. Domestically, rising energy prices have become a growing concern for Americans, adding pressure on the Republican Party ahead of the November 3 midterm elections. Trump has defended these costs as a necessary price to pay for preventing Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons. While he has indicated that discussions with Iran continue, he has also reaffirmed that no attacks will occur before the midterms, maintaining that the blockade against Iran will remain in place. The U.S. has shifted focus toward economic pressure rather than direct military engagement in recent weeks. The MOAB, which was used in 2017 to target Islamic State positions in Afghanistan, has been highlighted as a potential tool for demonstrating strength without resorting to nuclear weapons. However, its limitations in penetrating deeply buried structures raise questions about its utility in the current context. As the situation evolves, the military continues to assess various scenarios, keeping the option of using the MOAB open should the need arise. The outcome of diplomatic efforts and the trajectory of the conflict remain uncertain, with both sides preparing for potential developments.