The US military is reported to be developing strike plans that could include using the GBU-43/B Massive Ordnance Air Blast Bomb, widely described as the “mother of all bombs,” if President Donald Trump orders renewed combat against Iran. CNN, citing US officials familiar with the planning, says the potential targets could include Iranian energy infrastructure and nuclear sites.
Multiple outlets repeat that this would represent a significant escalation because the weapon is the largest non-nuclear bomb in the US arsenal and has not been used in the reported conflict so far. Reuters is also cited by at least one outlet, describing the plans and noting that questions remain about how effective the strike options would be in meeting Washington’s strategic objectives.
While the outlets largely align on the weapon, the conditional nature of any use, and the general target categories, they differ mainly in emphasis—some focus on the escalation aspect, while others highlight the reported uncertainty over effectiveness and the policy context tied to whether fighting resumes under the Trump administration.
