The U.S. military is reportedly considering using the GBU-43/B Massive Ordnance Air Blast weapon — known as the “mother of all bombs” — against Iran, according to a report published Oct. 15 by Military.com. The report did not specify how many weapons might be used, what targets are under consideration, or when a decision could be made.
A White House official told Military.com that the administration does not “comment on sensitive military plans that may or may not exist.” The report did not name the official.
The MOAB is a 21,600-pound, GPS-guided bomb that produces a large blast radius and is designed to destroy hardened surface targets and tunnel complexes. It was first used in combat in April 2017 against an Islamic State tunnel network in Afghanistan.
The reported consideration comes amid an ongoing war with Iran. Neither source provided details on the current scope of that conflict, U.S. force posture in the region, or any timeline for potential MOAB use.
Military.com’s report did not cite any additional administration, Pentagon, or military officials beyond the White House statement. The report also did not describe any internal debate, legal review, or operational planning process related to the possible use of the weapon.
According to the sources, the White House has not publicly confirmed or denied the report, and no decision has been announced. The next concrete step, per the sources, is any official confirmation or denial from the administration regarding the reported consideration.
Sources: Breaking Defense · Military.com