The United States (US) military has developed new strike plans that include the possible use of its largest non-nuclear bomb against Iranian energy infrastructure and nuclear sites if President Donald Trump orders a resumption of combat operations, an international media outlet reported, citing multiple US officials familiar with the plans.
The proposed use of the GBU-43/B Massive Ordnance Air Blast (MOAB), commonly known as the “mother of all bombs”, would mark a significant escalation in the conflict. However, officials involved in internal military planning discussions have questioned whether the weapon would be effective in achieving Trump’s stated objectives or changing the course of the war.
Trump is facing growing pressure to end the unpopular conflict, with Republicans concerned about a potential voter backlash in November’s US midterm elections. More than six months of US bombing have passed, but there is little indication that Washington and Tehran are close to reaching a negotiated settlement.
The US military continues to present Trump with options for striking remaining Iranian targets. However, some officials have privately questioned whether the White House has a broader strategy that could bring the war to an end, a decision that ultimately rests with the president.
For months, Trump and his advisers have discussed possible actions that could provide what they describe as a “definitive” end to the conflict, at least in terms of how it is presented publicly.
Some administration figures have portrayed the war as largely won, but Trump has stopped short of declaring victory, saying that the US still has unfinished business in Iran.
Trump has also expressed doubts about suggestions from some allies that Washington should withdraw its troops and move on, arguing that such a move would look like a defeat.
White House advisers have held meetings in recent weeks to discuss further options for Iran. Although Trump publicly said that he would not take new action before the midterm elections, several advisers privately told the international media outlet that they were uncertain whether that position was final or could change before Election Day.
One source familiar with the discussions told the international media outlet that Trump had directed the military to prepare additional strike plans against Iranian targets, including “a lot of energy infrastructure” and the potential deployment of a MOAB.
The source said that the proposed attack was described as coming “prior to US retrograde in CENTCOM AOR (area of responsibility)”, suggesting the administration could launch further strikes before attempting to declare victory and withdraw US forces.
A second source told the international media outlet that military plans targeting Iranian nuclear sites also explicitly included the possible use of the MOAB. These sites include Pickaxe Mountain, where the US and Israel believe Iran has stored components of its nuclear programme.
Trump has repeatedly threatened to strike the Pickaxe Mountain site in recent months, even after pausing full combat operations earlier this year. He has continued to stress that his objective is to prevent Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapon.
