The U.S. military has developed new plans for potentially devastating strikes against Iran’s nuclear facilities and energy infrastructure, including the possible use of America’s most powerful non-nuclear bomb, CNN reported, citing multiple U.S. officials. The plans, which would require President Donald Trump’s approval, could be carried out before or after the Nov. 3 midterm elections, despite Trump’s recent declaration that he would hold off on renewed military action until after voters go to the polls. The proposed strikes include deploying the GBU-43/B Massive Ordnance Air Blast Bomb, known as the “mother of all bombs,” or MOAB, against Iranian targets. Its use would mark a major escalation in the conflict, which began Feb. 28.
Trump has repeatedly vowed to prevent Tehran from obtaining nuclear weapons and has warned that additional military action remains an option if Iran refuses to reach an agreement. According to CNN, Trump directed the military to prepare additional strike packages targeting “a lot of energy infrastructure,” potentially using the MOAB before withdrawing U.S. forces from the region. One source said the proposed operation was described as taking place “prior to US retrograde in CENTCOM AOR (area of responsibility),” suggesting the administration could launch a final round of strikes, declare victory and begin pulling troops out.
