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Report: US Weighs 'Mother of All Bombs' on Iran

The U.S. military has developed new plans for potentially devastating strikes against Iran's nuclear facilities and energy infrastructure, including the possible use of America's most powerful non-nuclear bomb, CNN reported, citing multiple U.S. officials.

The plans, which would require President Donald Trump's approval, could be carried out before or after the Nov. 3 midterm elections, despite Trump's recent declaration that he would hold off on renewed military action until after voters go to the polls.

The proposed strikes include deploying the GBU-43/B Massive Ordnance Air Blast Bomb, known as the "mother of all bombs," or MOAB, against Iranian targets. Its use would mark a major escalation in the conflict, which began Feb. 28.

Trump has repeatedly vowed to prevent Tehran from obtaining nuclear weapons and has warned that additional military action remains an option if Iran refuses to reach an agreement.

According to CNN, Trump directed the military to prepare additional strike packages targeting "a lot of energy infrastructure," potentially using the MOAB before withdrawing U.S. forces from the region.

One source said the proposed operation was described as taking place "prior to US retrograde in CENTCOM AOR (area of responsibility)," suggesting the administration could launch a final round of strikes, declare victory and begin pulling troops out.

Another source said military plans specifically contemplate using the massive bomb against Iranian nuclear facilities, including Pickaxe Mountain, a heavily fortified underground site where U.S. and Israeli officials believe Tehran has stored components of its nuclear program.

However, military officials have questioned whether the MOAB could penetrate the layers of granite protecting the suspected nuclear facilities.

Although the GPS-guided weapon can devastate an area spanning roughly nine city blocks, it was not designed to destroy targets buried deep underground.

"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 discussions told CNN. "It is definitely not designed as a deep penetration warhead."

The bomb's enormous blast radius also raises concerns about civilian casualties, particularly if deployed against energy infrastructure near populated areas.

The reported planning comes as Trump weighs how to bring the prolonged conflict to a decisive conclusion without allowing Iran to rebuild its military or nuclear capabilities.

Some administration officials believe the United States has effectively won the war, but Trump has stopped short of declaring victory, maintaining that Washington still has unfinished business in Iran.

CNN reported that Trump has privately pushed back against allies urging him to withdraw American forces and move on, arguing that such a move could be perceived as defeat.

White House advisers have discussed options for a decisive military operation that could allow Trump to declare victory and end the conflict.

Still, some officials privately question whether additional strikes would accomplish the president's broader strategic objectives or produce a lasting resolution.

Trump has publicly ruled out renewed attacks before the midterms, although some advisers told CNN they remain uncertain whether that position is final.