15/10/2026
The United States is reportedly weighing the use of its most powerful non-nuclear bomb, the GBU-43/B Massive Ordnance Air Blast (MOAB), against Iran if President Donald Trump orders a resumption of major combat operations, according to a CNN report citing multiple US officials .
The Target: Pickaxe Mountain
The strike plans explicitly include the potential use of the MOAB against Iranian nuclear facilities, particularly the suspected underground site known as Pickaxe Mountain (Kuh-e Kolang Gaz La) near Natanz . Trump has repeatedly threatened to target this facility, where Washington and Israel believe Iran has stored components of its nuclear program . The site is estimated to be buried between 80 and 100 meters beneath a granite mountain, potentially making it even deeper than the Fordow facility that was struck last year .
Why the MOAB May Fall Short
Despite its devastating power, military planners and officials have raised serious doubts about whether the MOAB can achieve the stated objective. The weapon, which weighs approximately 9,800 kilograms (21,600 pounds), is designed to produce a massive blast over a wide area rather than pe*****te deeply buried targets .
"The MOAB is a massive information operation type weapon that is great for huge area clearance but not much else," a source familiar with the planning discussions told CNN, describing it as "definitely not designed as a deep pe*******on warhead" .
A Psychological Weapon
Sources indicate that the administration is considering the MOAB partly for its psychological impact rather than its ability to destroy hardened underground facilities. One source noted that "without the am******on designed to pe*****te that level … you have to look at psychological effects for which the MOAB is well-equipped" . The weapon was originally developed with psychological operations in mind, with officials hoping its sheer magnitude would shatter enemy morale .
The Strategic Dilemma
The reported planning comes as the Trump administration seeks a way to bring the conflict with Iran to a close. CNN reported that advisers have discussed launching a final round of strikes before withdrawing US forces, potentially a
