The US military has developed strike plans that could include using the GBU-43/B Massive Ordnance Air Blast Bomb, also known as the 'mother of all bombs,' against Iran.
What happened
According to reports, the plans include targeting Iranian energy infrastructure and nuclear targets, including a hidden fortress near the Natanz nuclear facility. The use of the MOAB would mark a significant escalation in the conflict between the US and Iran.
The MOAB contains 11 tons of explosives and has not been used since 2017, when it was dropped on an ISIS cave and tunnel complex in Afghanistan. Sources have questioned whether the MOAB would be effective in penetrating the hidden fortress, which is buried under solid granite.
The White House has not ruled out the potential use of the MOAB, with an official stating that President Trump keeps all options on the table to ensure that Iran can never have a nuclear weapon. However, sources have warned about the risk of civilian casualties.
