The administration of US President Donald Trump is reportedly considering a major military escalation against Iran, including the possible deployment of America’s most powerful non-nuclear bomb against strategic facilities.
According to CNN, Pentagon officials have developed options involving the GBU-43/B Massive Ordnance Air Blast bomb, commonly called the “Mother of All Bombs” or MOAB.
The proposals reportedly form part of discussions about how Washington could bring its six-month conflict with Tehran to an end while demonstrating military strength.
Sources familiar with the planning said potential targets include Iranian energy infrastructure and suspected nuclear facilities, particularly the heavily fortified Pickaxe Mountain complex.
However, the plans have not received publicly confirmed presidential authorisation, and the White House has not acknowledged any decision to launch additional strikes.
The proposed operation could reportedly take place before or after November’s US midterm elections, despite Trump’s public commitment to avoid renewed attacks before voting.
Administration officials are also said to be examining options that would allow American forces to withdraw from the region following a significant military operation.
Military specialists have nevertheless questioned whether deploying the MOAB would achieve the administration’s strategic objectives.
Weighing approximately 21,600 pounds, the weapon is designed to generate an enormous blast across a wide surface area.
Unlike specialised bunker-busting bombs, however, it is not primarily designed to penetrate deeply buried installations protected by substantial layers of rock.
One source familiar with Pentagon planning told CNN that the MOAB was better suited to widespread surface destruction than attacking underground facilities.
This limitation raises questions about its effectiveness against Iran’s suspected nuclear infrastructure, particularly sites believed to be concealed beneath mountains.
The potential use of such a weapon against energy facilities also raises concerns about civilian casualties and damage to essential infrastructure.
Some officials reportedly believe its psychological impact could pressure Tehran without requiring a prolonged bombing campaign.
Others remain doubtful that further airstrikes would compel Iran to abandon its nuclear ambitions or accept American demands.
The discussions come amid reported political concerns within Trump’s administration about the conflict’s duration and its possible implications for the approaching midterm elections.
Advisers are reportedly considering military and diplomatic options, including arrangements concerning the Strait of Hormuz, while seeking an outcome that could support a declaration of victory.
The White House maintained that Trump was keeping his options open to prevent Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons.
The Pentagon similarly declined to discuss specific operational plans.
Originally developed before the 2003 invasion of Iraq, the MOAB was first used in combat under Trump in April 2017 against an Islamic State tunnel complex in Afghanistan.
The reported consideration of the weapon for Iran represents a potentially significant escalation, although its deployment remains uncertain.
For now, questions persist over whether another major strike could advance negotiations or instead prolong the conflict.
Ezeana Emmanuel
