NEW YORK, October 15. /TASS/. The US is considering the possibility of striking Iran with the ultra-powerful GBU-43/B Massive Ordnance Air Blast Bomb (MOAB), unofficially known as the "mother of all bombs," CNN reported, citing sources.
According to the broadcaster, the Iranian energy infrastructure and nuclear facilities could be targeted if US President Donald Trump orders a resumption of hostilities. The MOAB weighs more than 9.5 tons and is the most powerful non-nuclear bomb in the US military’s arsenal, CNN pointed out. However, its ability to achieve the strategic goals stated by President Trump is questionable. The broadcaster pointed out that its use would mark a significant escalation in the US conflict with Tehran.
The White House has ordered the military to develop additional plans for strikes against Iran, including "a lot of energy infrastructure" on the list of targets, and to plan for the potential use of the MOAB, one of the CNN’s sources noted. According to another unnamed source, the US military plans to strike Iranian nuclear facilities and a site near Natanz, allegedly hidden beneath Pickaxe Mountain. "The president has unfortunately put himself in a situation where he is almost compelled to do something and, without the ammunition designed to penetrate that level <…> you have to look at psychological effects for which the MOAB is well-equipped," a source told CNN.
According to the broadcaster, many members of the US administration believe the only way to defeat Iran is with a large-scale operation involving ground troops, which could result in the deaths of thousands of American soldiers. The Pentagon is exploring all options, including this one. However, so far, no one in the administration is insisting on a ground operation. Trump has also made it clear that he is not interested in sending US troops to Iran, CNN stated.