U.S. Military Considers Strikes on Iranian Nuclear Sites
The U.S. military has laid out plans that could see strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities and energy infrastructure, potentially involving the use of the GBU-43/B Massive Ordnance Air Blast (MOAB), if President Trump gives the go-ahead, according to a report yesterday.
The Pentagon is ready to implement additional strike options at Trump’s request, including the possible deployment of the MOAB, as reported by CNN, which cited multiple U.S. officials who are knowledgeable about the situation.
One individual familiar with the discussions indicated that the targets could involve substantial energy infrastructure, with the possibility of these strikes occurring before any American military withdrawal from the area.
There are plans that envision the massive weapon being used against Iranian nuclear sites, specifically mentioning Pickaxe Mountain, a heavily fortified underground facility near Natanz, which has raised concerns about Tehran potentially hiding nuclear operations there.
Yet, military experts are questioning whether the MOAB, intended for widespread area destruction rather than penetrating well-protected locations, would be effective against such deeply buried structures.
“The MOAB is really meant for large area clearance; it’s not suited for precise destruction,” one source explained to CNN.
It’s important to note that, unlike specialized bunker-busting bombs previously used in Iran, the MOAB weighs around 21,600 pounds and is primarily designed for large-scale blast effects. It was first employed in combat in April 2017, targeting an ISIS tunnel complex in Afghanistan during Trump’s presidency.
This planning comes as Iran strengthens its underground nuclear capabilities amid ongoing uncertainty about the conflict’s future, which began following U.S. and Israeli strikes in February.
Despite this strategic preparation, there is no confirmed indication that Trump has approved any further strikes. The president has previously committed to avoiding renewed attacks before the midterm elections on November 3.
A White House official indicated that, “President Trump keeps all options available to ensure that Iran never attains a nuclear weapon.” Similarly, a Pentagon representative mentioned that the Department of War considers a wide array of operational scenarios to execute directives from the president and senior military leaders.
The discussion around military actions arises as Trump has frequently suggested that an end to the conflict is near while insisting that Iran must abandon its nuclear ambitions. “We’re going to resolve the Iran issue swiftly. It will be over very quickly,” he told supporters at a Montana rally.
During this same event, Trump highlighted Iran’s diminished military capabilities, asserting that the country lacks a functional navy or air force, and that many of its leaders have been removed from power.
“They don’t have a navy. They don’t have an air force,” he stated. “Their leadership is gone.”
At another rally in Arizona, Trump humorously remarked that the removal of numerous Iranian leaders has made it complicated to know whom the U.S. is negotiating with. “I might have gone a bit too far. I’m sorry, because honestly, I don’t know who we’re dealing with anymore, but that will change soon,” he said.
Ultimately, Trump insists that the conflict will be resolved swiftly, affirming it will conclude, “one way or the other.”
