World · Middle East · 2 hrs ago
US plans for possible use of largest non-nuclear bomb against Iran
The US military has planned for possible use of its largest non-nuclear bomb against Iran if President Donald Trump orders combat to resume.
The weapon, called the GBU-43/B MOAB, could be used against Iranian energy infrastructure and nuclear sites.
The conflict has stalled, and diplomatic efforts have been stuck since the summer, after earlier ceasefire and interim arrangements fell apart.
Officials doubt the bomb could destroy underground nuclear sites, because it is designed for wide-area blasts rather than deep penetration.
Its use could mark a major escalation and raise concerns about civilian casualties.
The US has used the bomb once before, in Afghanistan in 2017, against an Islamic State group tunnel complex.
Whether fighting resumes and the bomb is used remains undecided; the US has recently reduced military operations in favor of economic pressure.
The US military is planning for possible use of its largest non-nuclear bomb against Iran if President Donald Trump orders combat to resume, according to reports citing US officials.
The GBU-43/B MOAB could be used against Iranian energy infrastructure and nuclear sites.
Officials and military experts have questioned whether the bomb could achieve US strategic goals, particularly against underground nuclear facilities.
The bomb’s potential use would mark a significant escalation in the conflict, and there are concerns about civilian casualties.
The US has used the MOAB in combat once before, against an Islamic State group tunnel complex in Afghanistan in 2017.
- Who
- The US military is planning for possible use of the MOAB if President Donald Trump orders combat to resume.
- What
- The bomb could target Iranian energy infrastructure and nuclear sites. Officials and experts question its effectiveness against underground sites.
- When
- The reports were published on October 15, 2026; any renewed combat would depend on Trump’s decision.
- Where
- Iran.
- Why
- The reported targets are Iran’s energy infrastructure and nuclear sites. The US and Israel have said the war was necessary to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons; Tehran denies pursuing that goal.
US military planners
Critics of using the MOAB
Purpose
US military planners
Planners are considering the bomb for strikes on Iranian energy infrastructure and nuclear sites.
Critics of using the MOAB
Critics question whether it would help achieve US strategic goals, especially against underground nuclear facilities.
Effectiveness
US military planners
The bomb is being considered as a potential weapon if combat resumes.
Critics of using the MOAB
A source familiar with the plans said it was suited to clearing a large area, not deep penetration; an expert said it would not guarantee destruction of deeply buried installations.
The conflict erupted with US-Israeli strikes on Iran.
A ceasefire was reached, but it later fell apart.
An interim deal was reached, but it later fell apart.
Diplomatic efforts to end the conflict were at an impasse.
Reports said the US military was planning for possible use of the MOAB if combat resumed.
- Bomb
- GBU-43/B Massive Ordnance Air Blast (MOAB)
- Potential targets
- Iranian energy infrastructure and nuclear sites
- Prior combat use
- Afghanistan, 2017
- Reported civilian risk
- Concerns were raised about possible civilian casualties.
4 sources
What people are saying
The MOAB is a massive information operation type weapon that is great for huge area clearance but not much else
It is definitely not designed as a deep penetration warhead.
political theatre