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

Last Updated:October 16, 2026, 04:46 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 CNN, Trump 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.

CNN also reported that some US officials remain uncertain whether the administration has a clear strategy for ending the conflict

“POTUS 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 added.

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What is the US military’s ‘mother of all bombs’ and what targets are being considered?

The US military has drawn up contingency plans that could involve using the GBU-43/B Massive Ordnance Air Blast bomb, or MOAB, against Iran’s energy infrastructure and nuclear facilities, such as the underground site at Pickaxe Mountain, if President Donald Trump orders fresh strikes.

When was the MOAB last used by the US military prior to the recent Iran plans?

The MOAB, which is the largest non-nuclear weapon in the US arsenal, was last used by the US military in 2017 in Afghanistan against an Islamic State cave complex.

What concerns have US officials raised regarding the potential use of the MOAB against Iran?

US officials and experts have questioned whether the MOAB can penetrate deep enough to destroy heavily fortified underground nuclear facilities, noting it is better suited for clearing large areas, and warned it could cause civilian casualties near populated infrastructure.

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