The US military has drawn up plans for a possible strike on Iran using the GBU-43/B Massive Ordnance Air Blast bomb, better known as the MOAB or the “mother of all bombs”, CNN reported on Thursday, citing multiple US officials familiar with the discussions. The proposed targets include Iranian energy infrastructure and nuclear sites, including the suspected underground facility at Pickaxe Mountain.
But the weapon’s enormous blast is unlikely to solve the central military problem confronting Donald Trump of how to force Iran into concessions without restarting a prolonged war. A MOAB strike could give the president dramatic images of American firepower and an opportunity to claim victory but whether it would deliver anything resembling a strategic win is another question.
