US Weighs MOAB Strikes on Iran Sites

The US military has developed additional strike options against Iranian energy infrastructure and nuclear-related sites that include possible use of the GBU-43/B MOAB, the largest non-nuclear bomb in the US arsenal. CNN reported the plans Wednesday and Thursday, citing multiple US officials. Trump directed the military to prepare the options, which could be activated before or after the US midterm elections if he orders major combat operations to resume. One possible target is the suspected underground nuclear-related site at Pickaxe Mountain. A satellite image shows a destroyed vehicle at the facility. A source cited plan wording for strikes prior to US retrograde in the CENTCOM area of responsibility. The GPS-guided MOAB can affect about nine city blocks and is not designed to penetrate deep underground or thick granite. A White House official told CNN President Trump keeps all options on the table to ensure Iran can never have a nuclear weapon. A Pentagon official said the military plans for a wide range of operational scenarios to execute Presidential and Secretary-level direction and ensure mission success in any operational environment. Advisors told CNN he has said he would not act against Iran before the midterms. Any activation depends on a presidential order. CONTESTED - A source familiar with the discussions told CNN: "The MOAB is a massive information operation type weapon that is great for huge area clearance but not much else." - The source said: "It is definitely not designed as a deep penetration warhead." - The source said: "POTUS has unfortunately put himself in a situation where he is almost compelled to do something and, without the ammunition designed to penetrate that level… you have to look at psychological effects for which the MOAB is well-equipped." - CNN-cited sources said the weapon could struggle to destroy facilities protected by thick granite and other fortifications.