US reportedly considers ‘Mother of All Bombs’ in contingency plans for Iran

The weapon under discussion is the GBU-43/B Massive Ordnance Air Blast, widely known as the “Mother of All Bombs”, or MOAB. According to the report attributed to CNN, US officials familiar with the discussions said the plans include potential strikes on energy facilities and nuclear sites.

The reported planning does not mean the weapon has been authorised for use. Trump has not been reported to have made a final decision on whether to resume military operations or deploy the bomb.

Military planners have reportedly questioned whether the MOAB would achieve Washington’s objectives, particularly against deeply buried nuclear facilities protected by rock. The weapon is designed to produce a massive blast over a wide area rather than penetrate deeply underground. Experts have also raised concerns about the potential harm to civilians if it were used near populated areas.

The report comes amid continuing tensions between Washington and Tehran over Iran’s nuclear programme and the course of the ongoing conflict. Reuters said it could not independently verify CNN’s reporting.

Any decision to resume major strikes could intensify the conflict, threaten regional security and disrupt international energy markets.