US Military Evaluates 'Mother of All Bombs' for Iran Operations

WHO:

CNN - President Trump is involved in the decision-making regarding military operations against Iran.

CNN - Multiple US officials are familiar with the military planning discussions.

CNN - The Pentagon is involved in developing military plans.

WHAT:

NY Post - The US military has developed strike plans that could include using the GBU-43/B Massive Ordnance Air Blast Bomb, known as the "mother of all bombs," against Iran.

CNN - The military plans include potentially using the MOAB to target Iranian energy infrastructure and nuclear sites.

CNN - Trump has ordered the military to develop additional strike packages against Iranian targets, including energy infrastructure and the potential use of a MOAB.

CNN - The MOAB is the largest non-nuclear bomb in the US arsenal and is capable of destroying an area equivalent to nine city blocks.

CNN - Trump has threatened to strike Pickaxe Mountain, where components of Iran's nuclear program are believed to be stored.

WHERE:

CNN - The military plans include targeting locations in Iran, specifically mentioning Pickaxe Mountain.

WHEN:

CNN - The potential military actions could occur either before or after the midterm elections.

CNN - The next turnover of US troops deployed to CENTCOM is expected to take place within the next few weeks.

WHY:

CNN - Trump is facing pressure to end the unpopular war in Iran as Republicans brace for potential political backlash from voters.

CNN - The military is exploring options to provide Trump with a "symbolic" win to sell to the American people without preventing a potential diplomatic breakthrough.

HOW:

CNN - The MOAB is an air blast-type warhead that explodes before hitting the ground to project a massive explosion from all sides.

CNN - Military officials have characterized the MOAB as a weapon for "psychological operations" aimed at rattling enemy forces.

(UPDATED October 15, 2026 05:59 UTC)

President Trump is actively involved in military decision-making regarding operations against Iran, with multiple U.S. officials familiar with the planning discussions taking place at the Pentagon. The military has developed strike plans that could potentially include the use of the GBU-43/B Massive Ordnance Air Blast Bomb, or MOAB, to target Iranian energy infrastructure and nuclear sites, particularly Pickaxe Mountain, where components of Iran's nuclear program are believed to be stored. As Trump faces pressure to address the unpopular war in Iran, the military is exploring options that could provide him with a symbolic win, with potential actions anticipated to occur before or after the upcoming midterm elections.