❗️US reportedly considering ‘mother of all bombs’ against Iran as officials doubt its effectiveness

The US military is reportedly considering deploying the “mother of all bombs” against Iranian energy infrastructure and nuclear facilities, but US officials doubt the weapon would significantly damage Iran’s fortified underground sites or achieve Washington’s strategic objectives, CNN reported, citing sources familiar with military planning.

The GBU-43/B Massive Ordnance Air Blast (MOAB), the largest non-nuclear bomb in the US arsenal, is being considered for potential strikes on Iranian targets, including Pickaxe Mountain (Kolang Kouh). However, officials question whether the weapon can penetrate deep enough to destroy underground facilities protected by layers of 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 military planning told CNN. “It is definitely not designed as a deep penetration warhead.”

While the bomb could cause extensive surface destruction and civilian casualties, officials doubt it would force Tehran to capitulate or deliver a decisive military victory. Instead, its use could serve primarily as a psychological operation, potentially allowing US President Donald Trump to stage a 'symbolic show of force.'

Another source said the weapon could provide psychological effects because the US lacks ammunition capable of penetrating Iran’s deepest fortified sites.

The MOAB has been only used once before, in Afghanistan in 2017, and some observers have described its potential use against Iran as a possible exit tactic, allowing Washington to project military strength while seeking a way out of the war.