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The United States military has developed plans for possible renewed strikes against Iran, including the potential use of its largest non-nuclear bomb against energy infrastructure and nuclear-related sites, according to a CNN report.
The report, published on Thursday, October 15, cited US officials familiar with the military planning. It said the options could be considered if President Donald Trump orders a resumption of combat operations.
The weapon under consideration is the GBU-43/B Massive Ordnance Air Blast (MOAB), popularly known as the “Mother of All Bombs”.
However, the reported plans do not amount to an approved military operation. Officials have also questioned whether deploying the weapon would achieve Washington’s strategic objectives or significantly change the course of the conflict.
Reuters reported on Thursday that it could not independently verify CNN’s account.
Trump Weighs Further Military Options
According to CNN, Trump has directed the military to develop additional strike options targeting Iranian facilities, including energy infrastructure.
The reported planning also includes possible attacks on nuclear-related sites, including Pickaxe Mountain, an underground facility that has attracted attention amid concerns about Iran’s nuclear programme.
The discussions come as Washington and Tehran remain divided over how to end the conflict and address the dispute surrounding Iran’s nuclear activities.
Trump has maintained that Iran must not acquire nuclear weapons. Tehran, however, denies seeking to develop them.
The possibility of further strikes highlights the difficulties facing the US administration as it weighs military pressure against the risks of prolonging the conflict.
Questions Over The Bomb’s Effectiveness
The MOAB is the largest non-nuclear bomb in the US arsenal. It weighs approximately 21,600 pounds, or 9.8 tonnes, and is designed to produce a powerful blast over a wide area.
The United States first used the weapon in combat in Afghanistan in 2017, during Trump’s first presidency.
Despite its destructive power, the bomb was not primarily designed to penetrate deeply buried, heavily fortified facilities.
That limitation is significant because some Iranian nuclear-related installations are believed to be protected by substantial layers of rock and underground structures.
CNN’s report said officials involved in the planning had questioned whether the weapon would be effective against such targets.
Its potential impact would depend on the target’s characteristics and the protection surrounding the facility. Using the bomb would not necessarily guarantee the destruction of an underground installation.
Nuclear Dispute Remains Central
The confrontation between Washington and Tehran has centred partly on concerns about Iran’s nuclear programme, alongside disputes over regional security and military activities.
The United States and Israel have argued that Iran must be prevented from obtaining nuclear weapons. Iran has rejected allegations that it is pursuing a nuclear weapon.
Pickaxe Mountain has drawn particular attention because of concerns that nuclear-related activities or equipment could be located in a deeply buried facility there.
However, a military strike against a specific site would not automatically resolve the wider dispute over Iran’s nuclear capabilities, international oversight, sanctions and security guarantees.
Any lasting settlement would require addressing the underlying disagreements between the parties.
Diplomatic Efforts Face Uncertainty
Diplomatic efforts to end the conflict have struggled to bridge differences over nuclear activities, economic sanctions, maritime security and the conditions for ending military operations.
The continuing deadlock has left the possibility of renewed military action alongside efforts to reach an agreement.
The Strait of Hormuz has also become a major point of tension because of its importance to global oil and gas shipments. Disruptions to commercial shipping through the waterway have raised concerns about energy supplies and international trade.
Further escalation could intensify those economic pressures and increase the risk of retaliation against US forces, Israel or regional infrastructure.
Civilian Safety And Regional Risks
Any renewed attacks on energy infrastructure or other facilities could have consequences beyond the immediate targets, particularly where damage disrupts electricity, fuel supplies or other essential services.
Military operations must comply with international humanitarian law, including the requirements to distinguish civilians from military objectives, take feasible precautions and avoid attacks expected to cause excessive civilian harm relative to the anticipated military advantage.
Further strikes could also trigger retaliation and widen the conflict rather than bring it closer to a negotiated settlement.
For now, the reported use of the MOAB remains one option in US military planning, not a confirmed decision by Trump.
The central question is whether renewed military pressure could produce an agreement that previous efforts have failed to secure, or instead prolong the conflict and deepen its regional and economic consequences.
