U.S. Orders Plans That Could Include MOAB to Target Iranian Energy and Nuclear Sites

Overview

• U.S. military planners were ordered Thursday to develop new attack options that could include the GBU-43/B “MOAB” against Iranian energy infrastructure and suspected nuclear facilities, according to media reports.
• Officials quoted by the press say the MOAB is a large surface‑blast bomb built for wide-area destruction and psychological impact rather than deep underground penetration.
• U.S. military sources and analysts questioned the bomb’s ability to neutralize heavily fortified subterranean sites and said specialized penetrator munitions or ground operations are usually required for those targets.
• The White House declined to discuss sensitive operations and the Pentagon said it is preparing a range of scenarios, framing the move as planning rather than an announced strike.
• Policymakers see dramatic conventional strikes as a way to deliver a visible result ahead of political deadlines, but experts warn such an attack would risk major surface devastation, civilian casualties, and broader regional escalation including threats to shipping through the Strait of Hormuz.