Washington Weighs Using MOAB Against Iran if War Resumes
The United States is considering using its largest non-nuclear bomb, the MOAB, against Iranian energy and nuclear sites if President Trump decides to restart combat, CNN reported. Officials have questioned whether the weapon could destroy underground nuclear facilities and warned of possible civilian casualties. The war, which began with US-Israeli strikes in February, remains diplomatically stalled as Washington has recently shifted toward economic pressure.
The weapon under discussion is the GBU-43/B Massive Ordnance Air Blast, commonly called MOAB. It was previously used in Afghanistan in 2017 against ISIS tunnels and bunkers, where more than 90 militants were killed. The current planning reportedly concerns strikes on Iranian energy infrastructure and nuclear sites.
The conflict began with US-Israeli strikes on Iran in February. Diplomacy has stalled since summer, and Washington has recently favored economic pressure over military operations. Officials question whether the bomb can destroy suspected underground nuclear facilities and note possible civilian harm.
A renewed conflict or use of such a weapon could heighten risks for civilians near targeted sites and for military personnel. Disruption to Iranian energy infrastructure may affect global fuel markets, potentially raising costs for households and businesses. The debate may also shape public confidence and regional stability, though outcomes remain uncertain.