US weighs ‘Mother of All Bombs’ for Iran strikes: Can it destroy underground nuclear sites?

The United States has drawn up military plans that could involve using its largest non-nuclear bomb against Iran if President Donald Trump orders a resumption of combat operations, CNN reported, citing officials familiar with the planning.

The GBU-43/B Massive Ordnance Air Blast (MOAB), known as the ‘Mother of All Bombs’, weighs more than 21,000 pounds and is designed to unleash a powerful blast over a wide area.

Potential targets reportedly include Iranian energy infrastructure and the suspected nuclear facility at Pickaxe Mountain. 

The reports come amid stalled diplomatic efforts to end the conflict. However, the inclusion of the MOAB in military planning does not mean Trump has authorised its use, and questions remain over its effectiveness against deeply buried nuclear facilities.

Potential targets in Iran

CNN reported that US military planners have considered the MOAB for strikes on energy infrastructure and nuclear sites, including Pickaxe Mountain, which is believed to be protected by layers of granite.

Other reports signify that the plans include possible attacks on Iranian military targets.

The potential targeting of energy infrastructure could expand the impact of a renewed offensive beyond military installations, raising concerns about civilian casualties, particularly near populated areas.
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Can the ‘Mother of All Bombs’ destroy underground nuclear sites?

Despite its enormous destructive power, the MOAB is not designed to penetrate deeply buried targets.

Unlike specialised bunker-busting weapons, it detonates before hitting the ground, spreading its blast across a large area rather than burrowing into underground fortifications.

A source familiar with the planning told CNN: “The MOAB is a massive information operation type weapon that is great for huge area clearance but not much else.”

The source added that it was not designed as a deep-penetration weapon.

Officials have reportedly questioned whether the bomb could destroy facilities such as Pickaxe Mountain. Its potential deployment could demonstrate US firepower, but its ability to damage heavily protected nuclear infrastructure remains uncertain.

Will Trump resume attacks before the US midterm elections?

The reported plans come as Trump weighs military options alongside diplomatic efforts to end the conflict.

Last week, Trump said the US would not attack Iran before the November midterm elections. He also referred to “productive conversations” with Tehran without providing details.

The war has created political challenges for Trump and his Republican Party amid public dissatisfaction and rising fuel and other prices. Renewed strikes could bring further military and political risks if they fail to achieve decisive results or trigger Iranian retaliation.

Officials have also questioned whether additional attacks alone could achieve Washington's broader objectives or force Tehran to capitulate.
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When did the US first use the ‘Mother of All Bombs’?

The US military first used the GBU-43/B in combat in April 2017, during Trump's first presidential term. It was dropped on an Islamic State tunnel complex in Afghanistan, where reports at the time said more than 90 militants were killed.

A potential deployment against Iran would present a different challenge, particularly if the targets are nuclear facilities buried beneath rock and other protective structures.

For now, the MOAB remains among the reported military options under consideration. Whether Trump orders renewed strikes or pursues diplomacy remains uncertain.