U.S. prepares option to strike Iran nuclear site with MOAB
Officials doubt MOAB could reach deep sites such as Pickaxe Mountain, but see it as a possible psychological weapon.
The United States is preparing options for strikes on Iran's nuclear facilities and energy infrastructure with the GBU-43/B Massive Ordnance Air Blast Bomb, or MOAB, the Pentagon's largest non-nuclear bomb. Several U.S. officials familiar with the plan said the military is awaiting approval from President Donald Trump. One target under discussion is Pickaxe Mountain, a site believed to be linked to Iran's nuclear program. But several military sources questioned the bomb's effectiveness because key Iranian facilities are far underground and protected by hard rock layers. A source cited by CNN said the bomb is better suited to destroying wide areas and creating a psychological effect. If used, the move would mark a major escalation in the U.S.-Iran conflict and risk widespread civilian casualties.