‘Mother Of All Bombs’ In US Plans For Potential Strikes On Iran’s Energy, Nuclear Sites: Report

Last Updated:October 16, 2026, 04:42 IST

The potential use of the bomb, the largest non-nuclear weapon in the US arsenal, would mark a major escalation in the conflict.

The GBU-43/B Massive Ordnance Air Blast (MOAB) bomb is pictured in this undated handout photo. (Reuters photo)

The US military has drawn up plans that could include using the massive GBU-43/B bomb, known as the “mother of all bombs”, against Iran’s energy infrastructure and nuclear sites if President Donald Trump orders fresh strikes, CNN reported.

The White House and the Pentagon have also prepared plans to use the weapon against military targets in Iran, CBS News reported, citing sources familiar with the matter.

The potential use of the bomb, the largest non-nuclear weapon in the US arsenal, would mark a major escalation in the conflict. However, US officials have raised questions about whether it could achieve Washington’s military objectives.

A White House spokesperson told CBS News that the administration did not “comment on sensitive military plans that may or may not exist” but added that Trump was keeping all options open to prevent Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon.

MOAB Could Target Energy, Nuclear Sites

According to CNNTrump has asked the military to prepare additional strike options targeting Iranian sites, including energy infrastructure. The plans reportedly include the possible use of the MOAB against nuclear facilities, including the suspected underground site at Pickaxe Mountain.

The weapon weighs more than 30,000 pounds and is designed to cause massive destruction across a wide area. It was used by the US military in Afghanistan in 2017 against an Islamic State cave complex.

However, officials cited by CNN questioned whether the bomb could penetrate deep enough to destroy heavily fortified underground nuclear facilities. One source called it as a weapon suited to clearing large areas rather than penetrating deep underground.

Its use could also raise concerns about civilian casualties, particularly if infrastructure targets are located near populated areas.

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What is the GBU-43/B bomb being considered for potential US strikes in Iran?

The GBU-43/B bomb, commonly known as the “mother of all bombs” or MOAB, is the largest non-nuclear weapon in the United States military inventory. It is a massive GPS-guided munition weighing over 30,000 pounds designed to cause widespread destruction.

Which Iranian infrastructure could be targeted by the MOAB under US plans?

US military plans prepared for potential fresh strikes ordered by President Donald Trump include targeting Iran’s energy infrastructure and nuclear facilities, such as the suspected underground site at Pickaxe Mountain.

What concerns have officials raised about using the MOAB against Iranian sites?

US officials have questioned whether the MOAB can penetrate deep enough to destroy heavily fortified underground nuclear facilities, noting it is better suited for clearing large surface areas rather than deep subterranean targets. Its deployment also raises concerns about potential civilian casualties near infrastructure targets.

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