U.S. prepares strike options that could include MOAB against Iran

U.S. military planners have drawn up strike options that include the possible use of the so‑called "mother of all bombs" (MOAB) against Iranian energy infrastructure and nuclear sites, U.S. officials say. The measures would be available to President Donald Trump if he decides to expand offensive operations before or after the upcoming midterm elections.

Potential targets and limits

The MOAB, the largest non‑nuclear munition in the U.S. arsenal, would represent a marked escalation in any confrontation with Iran. Officials involved in the planning warned that while the weapon could have a powerful surface effect, it is unlikely to penetrate deeply buried facilities and therefore may not achieve the strategic objectives Washington seeks.

One official told reporters that Trump directed the military to develop additional strike packages against Iranian targets that include "large energy infrastructure" and the potential use of the MOAB. According to the same account, such strikes could be carried out "before the withdrawal of U.S. forces from the area of responsibility of Central Command (CENTCOM)," suggesting options that might be executed and then followed by a rapid drawdown.

Plans under consideration also list Iranian nuclear sites — including a location referred to as Pikaks — among possible targets. U.S. assessments and allied intelligence have repeatedly flagged fortified, deep‑earth facilities as particularly difficult to destroy with a blast weapon designed primarily for surface effect.

"It is not designed as a warhead that penetrates fortifications. If used, the MOAB would have a devastating effect on the impacted area, but probably only on the surface. The enormous blast radius would almost certainly raise concerns about civilian casualties, especially if infrastructure is located near populated areas," a third official said.

Inside the White House, advisers remain divided. Some view a dramatic strike as a way to alter the status quo without launching a full‑scale war; others question whether such an act would change the course of the conflict or instead provoke broader escalation. Trump himself has publicly signaled caution at times, saying there is still "unfinished business," while privately weighing options as political pressure mounts ahead of midterms.

Photo: Veb-stranica na amerikanskoto Ministerstvo za vojna