Trump considers non-nuclear bombing campaign against Iran

Summarised from 3 outlets · Updated 16 Oct, 15:39 · Archive

Trump is considering deploying America's largest non-nuclear bomb against Iranian nuclear and energy facilities as pressure grows to end the six-month conflict.

President Trump is considering deploying America's most powerful non-nuclear bomb against Iranian nuclear facilities and energy infrastructure, according to CNN reports based on conversations with multiple US officials. The GBU-43/B Massive Ordnance Air Blast bomb, known as the MOAB or 'mother of all bombs', weighs 21,600 pounds and is capable of devastating an area equivalent to nine city blocks. The plans could be implemented before or after November's midterm elections if Trump authorizes renewed combat operations.

In a Newsmax interview, Trump ruled out using nuclear weapons against Iran, saying 'I wouldn't use nuclear. We don't have to. We're the greatest nuclear power in the world.' He also ruled out deploying ground troops, stating 'No, I don't see that, I don't see it.' When asked about the MOAB specifically, Trump clarified that it is not nuclear but described it as 'like a tiny nuclear bomb' without explicitly confirming or denying the reports of plans to use it.

The Pentagon proposals reportedly include strikes on energy infrastructure and potential deployment of the MOAB. Military insiders have warned, however, that the spectacular explosion might do little to achieve Trump's objective of forcing Tehran into submission. Behind closed doors, administration officials are reportedly attempting to find a way for Trump to declare victory and withdraw American forces without appearing to have backed down.

Trump previously pledged not to launch fresh attacks before voters head to the polls in November, although some advisers privately question whether that promise will hold. The reported strike plans target Iranian nuclear sites, including Pickaxe Mountain, where Tehran is believed to be hiding a nuclear facility deep underground. The MOAB was previously used in combat in 2017 against ISIS militants in Afghanistan.

How it is being reported

• Trump rules out using a nuclear bomb on Iran: Why that mattersIt is the first time the president has addressed nuclear weapons, but he didn't deny US could use 'mother of all bombs'.Al Jazeera · 16 Oct, 11:21
• Trump says he won't use nuclear weapons or send ground troops to IranTrump said he would not use nuclear weapons against Iran or send ground troops as the U.S. reportedly weighs new strike options.CNBC · 16 Oct, 08:56
• Trump considers using largest non-nuclear bomb against Iran as president faces pressure to end the war: reportPresident Donald Trump is considering using America's most powerful non-nuclear bomb against Iranian nuclear facilities and energy infrastructure as pressure mounts to end the war.Daily Mail · 15 Oct, 05:55

In this story: Trump · Iran · Pentagon · CNN · Newsmax

This summary was written by AI from the headlines and standfirsts above, and states as fact only what at least two outlets report. How we use AI · Report a problem