The United States is reportedly preparing for the possibility of using its largest non-nuclear bomb against Iran if President Donald Trump decides to resume military operations, according to a CNN report cited by Agence France-Presse (AFP) and published by The Hindu on October 16, 2026.
The report says US military planners are considering the potential deployment of the GBU-43/B Massive Ordnance Air Blast (MOAB), widely known as the “Mother of All Bombs.” Officials familiar with the planning reportedly told CNN that potential targets could include Iranian energy infrastructure and nuclear-related sites.
The reported planning does not mean a decision to use the weapon has been made. Any potential deployment would depend on the US administration's decisions regarding the conflict.
US Military Planning Amid Diplomatic Deadlock
According to the supplied report, diplomatic efforts to end the conflict—which began with US-Israeli strikes on Iran in February 2026—have remained stalled since the summer.
Against this backdrop, the reported military preparations suggest that US officials are considering possible options if hostilities resume. However, the source excerpt does not establish that a renewed offensive has been authorised or provide a timeline for any military action.
Questions Remain Over the Weapon's Effectiveness
Although the MOAB is the largest non-nuclear bomb in the US arsenal, military officials cited in the CNN report have reportedly questioned whether it would achieve Washington's strategic objectives, particularly against deeply buried nuclear facilities. Reuters also reported that it had not independently verified CNN's account.
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The reported plans therefore reflect a potential military option, rather than confirmation that the weapon will be deployed or that it would achieve the intended results.
Diplomatic Stalemate Keeps Tensions High
The report describes diplomatic efforts to end the conflict as stalled since the summer. The possibility of renewed military action adds uncertainty to an already difficult situation, with potential consequences for regional security, energy markets and international relations.
A White House official told CNN that the administration would not comment on sensitive military plans that may or may not exist, while reiterating the president's stated objective of preventing Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon.
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