US military weighs use of ‘mother of all bombs’ in potential future strikes on Iran

WASHINGTON, Oct 15: The US military has developed strike plans that could include using the GBU-43/B Massive Ordnance Air Blast Bomb, also known as the “mother of all bombs,” against Iranian energy infrastructure and nuclear sites if President Donald Trump orders renewed combat operations, CNN reported on Thursday citing US officials familiar with the matter.

The potential deployment of the largest non-nuclear bomb in the US arsenal would mark a significant escalation in the conflict, although officials familiar with military planning discussions told CNN questions remain over its effectiveness in achieving Washington’s strategic objectives.

The report said that over the past several weeks, White House advisers have held meetings to discuss various options for Iran.

The report cited a US official as noting that when the military is developing plans, it develops different options for policymakers ranging from the high-end to low-end. “Higher-end targets, including those that are located deep underground, require bigger bombs, and the MOAB is the biggest,” the official said.

CNN said that questions are raised around whether the MOAB would be an effective munition to use against Iran’s nuclear facilities and other sites that are located deep underground.

“While the GPS-guided bomb is capable of destroying an area equivalent to nine city blocks, it likely lacks the capability to penetrate deep enough under the surface to destroy the suspected nuclear facilities at Pickaxe, which is believed to be fortified by layers of granite, and other remaining Iranian nuclear sites,” the report said citing sources.

Nevertheless, Trump could opt to use the MOAB as a psychological weapon, the report said.
In 2017, the US military in Afghanistan dropped the “MOAB” to target ISIS hideouts in a complex of tunnels and bunkers, killing dozens of militants.�" REUTERS