US Weighs Deploying ‘Mother of All Bombs’ Against Iran Amid Conflict Stalemate

The United States is considering deploying its largest non-nuclear bomb against Iran as President Donald Trump weighs whether to resume military action amid a reported stalemate in the conflict, CNN reported on Thursday.

According to CNN, citing officials familiar with the discussions, the Pentagon has explored the possible use of the GBU-43/B Massive Ordnance Air Blast (MOAB), popularly known as the “Mother of All Bombs”, against Iranian energy infrastructure and nuclear facilities.

The potential deployment would mark a significant escalation, as the weapon has never been used against Iran. However, questions remain over whether the bomb could achieve Washington’s strategic objectives, particularly against deeply buried nuclear facilities.

Despite its enormous destructive power, the MOAB is not specifically designed to penetrate deeply buried underground targets. A source familiar with the discussions told CNN that its capabilities might be insufficient to destroy Iran’s suspected underground nuclear installations.

The United States first used the MOAB in combat in April 2017, during Trump’s first presidential term. The bomb was dropped on an Islamic State militant network of tunnels and bunkers in Afghanistan. Reports at the time said the strike killed more than 90 militants.

If deployed against Iran, the weapon would represent a new phase in the conflict. However, the reported discussions do not confirm that a final decision has been made to use the bomb.