The US military has drawn up plans for new strikes on Iran, including the possible use of the “Mother of All Bombs” against energy facilities and nuclear sites, CNN reported, citing US officials familiar with military planning.
The plans could be activated if US President Donald Trump orders the resumption of combat operations before or after the congressional midterm elections.
According to CNN, using the GBU-43/B, known as the “Mother of All Bombs,” for the first time in the war with Iran would represent a significant escalation, although informed sources have questioned its ability to achieve US military and strategic objectives.
The plans come as Trump faces pressure to end a war that has little public support in the United States, while Republicans prepare for possible political repercussions in the midterm elections. There have been no clear signs that Washington and Tehran are close to reaching a settlement, more than six months after US airstrikes began.
CNN reported that Trump ordered the military to prepare additional options for striking Iranian targets, including energy facilities. Plans to target nuclear sites, including Mount “Pickaxe,” could involve the use of the same bomb. The United States and Israel believe Iran stores components of its nuclear program at the site.
Doubts Over Effectiveness
According to sources familiar with the matter, there are doubts about the bomb’s ability to penetrate deeply buried and heavily fortified structures, particularly as some Iranian nuclear facilities are believed to be protected by layers of granite.
The bomb weighs approximately 21,600 pounds and is the largest non-nuclear bomb in the US arsenal. It detonates in the air before reaching the ground, allowing it to produce a massive blast, but it was not primarily designed to penetrate deep underground structures.
A source familiar with the military discussions told CNN that the bomb is effective at destroying large areas but is not designed to penetrate deep fortifications. Its use could therefore have a greater psychological impact than serve as a decisive means of destroying heavily fortified nuclear facilities.
The sources warned that the massive blast could cause significant civilian casualties, particularly if facilities near populated areas or non-military sites were targeted.
Options for Ending the War
CNN reported that the US administration is looking for a way out of the war that would allow Trump to declare a symbolic victory without closing the door to a diplomatic settlement, including a possible agreement to reopen the Strait of Hormuz.
Although Trump has expressed reluctance to deploy US ground forces to Iran, his desire to end the war quickly is complicated by the failure to reach an agreement.
A White House official told CNN that the administration does not comment on sensitive military plans, while stressing that Trump is keeping all options on the table to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons.
Trump previously authorized the use of the bomb in Afghanistan in 2017, during his first term, against Islamic State positions in the first-ever deployment of the weapon.
Afghan officials said at the time that the strike killed 36 Islamic State fighters and destroyed tunnels and weapons storage facilities, with no civilian casualties reported.
Source: CNN
