15.10.2026 11:44
US broadcaster CNN claimed that the US military has prepared plans involving the use of the GBU-43/B (MOAB) bomb, known as the 'mother of all bombs,' against Iran's energy infrastructure and nuclear facilities if President Trump issues another strike order. According to sources, the plans also include the facility at Pickaxe Mountain; however, there are doubts about whether the bomb can penetrate deep enough.
US broadcaster CNN International claimed that the US military has developed new strike plans, including the use of the bomb dubbed the "mother of all bombs," to target Iran's energy infrastructure and nuclear facilities if President Donald Trump orders a resumption of combat operations.
According to CNN's report, which cited US officials familiar with the matter, the bomb in question is known as the "GBU-43/B Massive Ordnance Air Blast Bomb (MOAB)." The report stated that the first use of the MOAB, the largest non-nuclear bomb in the US arsenal, in a conflict with Iran would amount to a "significant escalation."
One source speaking to CNN said Trump ordered the military to develop additional strike packages against Iranian targets, including "a large number of energy infrastructure" sites and the potential use of a MOAB. A second source stated that military plans for Iranian nuclear facilities, including Pickaxe Mountain, explicitly envisioned the use of MOAB.
THERE ARE DOUBTS THAT MOAB WOULD BE EFFECTIVE
The report conveyed that there are questions about whether the MOAB would be an effective munition against Iran's nuclear facilities and other facilities located deep underground. Although the GPS-guided bomb is capable of destroying a massive area, according to sources it does not have the capacity to penetrate deep enough to destroy the suspected nuclear facilities at Pickaxe Mountain, believed to be reinforced with granite layers, and Iran's other remaining nuclear facilities.
A third source, in an interview with CNN, said, "The MOAB is an operational weapon that is great for clearing large areas, but not much use beyond that. It was definitely not designed as a deeply penetrating warhead." According to sources, if the MOAB is used, it will cause destructive effects in the area it hits, but it will likely remain only at a superficial level.
DEVELOPED AS A PSYCHOLOGICAL OPERATIONS WEAPON
The MOAB, developed during the Iraq War, is a warhead that detonates before hitting the ground, causing a massive explosion in all directions. During its final test phases in 2003, military officials said the MOAB was designed primarily as a weapon to be used for "psychological operations." Military officials at the time stated that they hoped such a massive explosion would shock Iraqi troops and force them to surrender or abandon fighting.
TRUMP, THE FIRST US PRESIDENT TO APPROVE THE USE OF THE BOMB
As originally designed, the MOAB was to be used against large troop formations and equipment or reinforced above-ground bunkers. Its target range was expanded to include targets buried beneath softer surfaces, such as caves or tunnels.
In 2017, during his first presidential term, Trump authorized the use of the MOAB against ISIS positions in Afghanistan, becoming the first US president to use the bomb. Afghan officials said the strike targeted a network of reinforced underground tunnels used by ISIS to launch attacks on government forces and killed 36 ISIS terrorists. Afghan and US officials at the time announced that the explosion destroyed 3 underground tunnels as well as weapons and ammunition.