The US military has developed strike plans that could include dropping the “mother of all bombs” on Iranian energy infrastructure and nuclear targets if President Trump green-lights additional attacks on the regime, according to a report Thursday.
A GBU-43/B Massive Ordnance Air Blast (MOAB) bomb – the largest non-nuclear explosive the US has ever detonated in combat – has not been used since 2017 when it was dropped on an ISIS cave and tunnel complex in Afghanistan and its use would mark a significant escalation in Washington’s 7 ½ month war with Tehran.
Trump has reportedly ordered military top brass to create strike packages against Iran that include a “lot of energy infrastructure,” and these attacks could involve the use of a MOAB, according to CNN, citing a source.
A GBU-43B, or massive ordnance air blast weapon, the US military’s largest non-nuclear bomb, which contains 11 tons of explosives, is seen in an undated photo. AP
The source implied the strikes would come “prior to US retrograde in CENTCOM AOR [area of responsibility].
The scenario could involve Washington unleashing additional strikes, trying to claim victory, and then quickly pull out its forces.
Another source claimed a MOAB – which contains 18,700 pounds of high explosives—could be used in attacks on Pickaxe Mountain, the regime’s hidden fortress located near the Natanz nuclear facility that President Trump has previously threatened to bomb.
There has never been any indication of nuclear activity at the site, but experts say it’s “large enough” to “hold a centrifuge enrichment plant.”
The White House hasn’t ruled out potentially detonating a MOAB.
“President Trump keeps all options on the table to ensure that Iran can never have a nuclear weapon,” an official said, refusing to comment on the plans.
“The Department of War plans for a wide range of operational scenarios to execute Presidential and Secretary‑level direction and to ensure mission success in any operational environment.” a Pentagon spokesperson added.
But sources have questioned whether a MOAB would be able to penetrate Pickaxe Mountain – which is buried some 300 to 400 feet underneath solid granite.
“The MOAB is a massive information operation type weapon that is great for huge area clearance but not much else,” a source familiar with the military plans, told CNN.
“It is definitely not designed as a deep penetration warhead.”
Sources have also warned about the risk of civilian casualties but one claimed “POTUS has unfortunately put himself in a situation where he is almost compelled to do something.”
The US dropped the MOAB just months into Trump’s first presidential term in 2017, killing 96 Islamic State terrorists in an operation in Afghanistan.
An MC-130 aircraft, flown by Air Force Special Operations Command, targeted tunnels used by ISIS in the Achin district of the Nangarhar province.
Gen. John Nicholson, then-commander of US forces in Afghanistan, authorized the deadly strike as Trump praised the bombing of ISIS strongholds as a “very, very successful mission.”
It’s unclear if such strikes would happen. Trump has vowed to hold off resuming attacks on Iran before the Nov. 3 midterms.
Trump is seeking an end to the conflict, which is at a stalemate despite boasting to supporters at a Montana rally Wednesday that Iran’s military has been decimated.
“They don’t have a navy,” he said. “They don’t have an air force. Their leaders are gone.”
The war is deeply unpopular in the US – with polling compiled by Silver Bulletin revealing that only 34% of Americans support the military operation. Its net support stands at -22.7%.
The Republicans are navigating challenging headwinds heading into the midterms, with gas prices remaining stubbornly high.
The average gas price has been over $4 per gallon for 158 days in 2026 – more than any other year, according to GasBuddy.
Fuel costs hit a record $6.53 per gallon last month. In a bid to drive down costs, Trump revealed Friday that the US will buy large amounts of Russian diesel.
Sources have since told The Post that Russian diesel is set to reach the market before the elections.
With Post wires.