US weighs MOAB bomb use against Iran, CNN reports

The United States is considering using its biggest non-nuclear bomb against Iran if President Donald Trump decides to renew combat in the war, CNN reported Thursday.

CNN said the military is planning for the potential use of the GBU-43/B Massive Ordnance Air Blast bomb, known as the MOAB or "Mother Of All Bombs," to target Iranian energy infrastructure and nuclear sites. The outlet cited officials familiar with the matter.

CNN also reported that officials had raised doubts about whether the bomb would be effective, particularly against suspected underground nuclear sites in Iran.

"The MOAB is a massive information operation type weapon that is great for huge area clearance but not much else," a source familiar with the plans told CNN. "It is definitely not designed as a deep penetration warhead."

The United States and Israel have said the war was necessary to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons, a goal Tehran has long denied pursuing. Diplomatic efforts to end the conflict, which began with US-Israeli strikes on Iran in February, have been at an impasse since the summer.

AFP said it had contacted the Pentagon for comment. In 2017, the US military dropped a MOAB in Afghanistan to target Islamic State group hideouts in tunnels and bunkers, killing more than 90 militants.