America is considering using the “Mother of All Bombs” against Iran.. sources reveal to Ofoq News exclusively

- The US military has prepared new plans to launch strikes - which may include using what is known as the “Mother of All Bombs” to target Iranian energy infrastructure and nuclear facilities, if President Donald Trump issues an order to resume combat operations either before or after the midterm elections, according to US officials familiar with the matter. Several sources familiar with internal military discussions regarding the possible use of this weapon stated that the use of the GBU-43/B bomb, known as the “MOAB” or “Mother of All Bombs” - the largest non-nuclear bomb in the American arsenal - for the first time in the conflict with Iran would represent a remarkable escalation, although there are doubts about the extent of its effectiveness in achieving any of the strategic goals announced by Trump or in tipping the scales of the war.

Trump is facing pressure to end this war, which enjoys widespread popular opposition, at a time when Republicans are preparing to face possible political repercussions from voters in the upcoming midterm elections, and with the absence of any significant indications that a negotiated settlement between the two countries is imminent, after more than six months of American bombing. While the US military continues to provide Trump with options to launch potential strikes against remaining Iranian targets, some officials are still wondering - privately - whether the White House has a strategy that integrates these plans within a framework that can actually end the war. This is something that only the president has the authority to do.

For months, Trump and his advisors discussed options that might constitute a “decisive” end to the war - at least from a media and marketing perspective - because they were aware of the extent of American popular dissatisfaction with this conflict. Although some figures in the US administration described the war as having actually been decided in favor of the United States, Trump was more cautious in his recent statements. He avoided declaring victory and merely said that there were tasks that had not yet been completed for the United States in that country.

Behind the scenes, Trump also expressed skepticism about the opinions of some allies outside the administration who urged him to be satisfied with withdrawing American forces home and move forward. Trump believes that such a step would look like a defeat. Over the past few weeks, White House advisers have been holding meetings to discuss various options for dealing with Iran.

While Trump has publicly announced that he will not take new measures before the midterm elections, several advisers have said privately that they do not know whether this statement is final or if it may change before Election Day. One source told Ofoq News Network that Trump ordered the military to prepare additional plans to launch strikes against Iranian targets - including "a lot of energy infrastructure" - with the possibility of using a MOAB bomb. The same source indicated that the wording used stipulated that this attack would take place "before the American withdrawal from the Central Command area of ​​responsibility," suggesting that the administration may launch additional strikes, attempt to declare victory, and then quickly withdraw its forces.

A second source also told Ofoq News Network that military plans to strike Iranian nuclear facilities - including the “Ax Mountain” site also explicitly call for the use of the MOAB bomb. Trump has repeatedly threatened in recent months to strike the “Ax Mountain” site - where the United States and Israel believe Tehran stores components of its nuclear program - even after suspending comprehensive combat operations earlier this year, as Trump continues to stress that his goal is to ensure that Iran never obtains a weapon. Nuclear: Doubts about the effectiveness of the "Mother of All Bombs" Another US official noted that when developing military plans, the military prepares a menu of options for decision makers that range from low to high levels of intensity.

The official added that more fortified targets - including those located deep underground - require larger bombs, and the MOAB bomb is the largest of its kind. However, there are questions about the effectiveness of the MOAB bomb as a munition used against Iranian nuclear facilities and other sites located deep underground.

Although this GPS-guided bomb is capable of destroying an area equivalent to nine city squares, it likely lacks the ability to penetrate deep enough below the surface to destroy suspected nuclear facilities at the Jabal Ax site, which is believed to be protected by layers of granite rock, or other remaining Iranian nuclear sites, according to sources familiar with the matter. A third source familiar with Iran-related military planning discussions told Ofoq News Network: The MOAB bomb is a large weapon that falls under the category of ‘information operations’ (for psychological and informational influence). It is excellent for clearing large areas, but it is not suitable for any other purpose,” he added. “It is certainly not designed to be a warhead capable of deep penetration.”

The sources indicated that if used, the bomb will have devastating effects in the targeting area, but its effect will likely be limited to the superficial level. The bomb's massive explosion range will undoubtedly raise concerns about the potential for civilian casualties, especially if it is used to target Iranian infrastructure facilities located near populated areas or in close proximity to non-military sites.

However, Trump may choose to use the MOAB bomb as a psychological weapon at a time when the Iranian regime appears to be holding its ground and unwilling to yield to its diplomatic demands. Although US officials warn that its use likely will not force Iran to surrender or achieve a strategic military victory, it may provide Trump with an additional option - without the need to resume full-scale combat operations - to change the status quo of the conflict.

The third source familiar with recent planning discussions added: “Unfortunately, the president has put himself in a position where he appears forced to take action; in the absence of a munition designed to penetrate those depths... the psychological effects that the MOAB is a very effective tool for achieving must be considered.”

Many within the US administration, as well as analysts outside it, agree that the only way to decisively defeat Iran is through a major military operation that includes ground forces. It is a commitment that could cost thousands of American lives. Although the Pentagon is studying all scenarios - which means such plans already exist - there is currently no one within the administration calling for such drastic action.

Trump has indicated that he has little interest in deploying American ground forces in Iran, but his desire to end the conflict as quickly as possible puts him in a political dilemma. He is fully aware of the extent of the decline in popular support for the war, but at the same time he was unable to reach a diplomatic agreement that would put an end to it. The Ufuq News Network reported that senior Trump administration officials and military planners have been focusing for weeks on finding a way out that would give Trump a “symbolic” victory - at least - that he could market to the American people, without hindering any potential diplomatic breakthrough, starting with an agreement to reopen the Strait of Hormuz.

A fourth source familiar with the Pentagon's recent planning discussions on Iran also told Ofoq News that military officials have drawn up options that amount to a "fireworks display"; With the aim of providing Trump a way out of the conflict, even if those strikes failed to achieve the goals he originally announced to justify the war. Although Trump recently pledged to postpone any additional strikes until after the midterm elections, it appears that the US military is already preparing for the possibility of Iranian retaliation if the president issues an action order.

It is also expected that the process of replacing US forces deployed within the scope of Central Command will take place during the next few weeks, according to a fifth source - an American official - who acknowledged the possibility that some of the individuals who will leave the region will not be replaced by new military elements. In response to an inquiry about these plans, a White House official told Ofoq News that they do not comment on sensitive military plans - whether they exist or not - adding that "President Trump keeps all options on the table to ensure that Iran never obtains a nuclear weapon."

In response to Ofoq News Network’s request for comment, a Pentagon official stated, “The Department of Defense develops plans for a wide range of operational scenarios, to implement the directives issued by the President and the Secretary of Defense, and to ensure mission success in any operational environment.” MOAB bomb developed for “psychological operations” The MOAB bomb was developed during the Iraq War, and is a warhead based on the airburst principle; The bomb explodes before it hits the ground, generating a massive blast wave that extends in all directions.

During the final stages of testing in 2003, military officials told Ofoq News that the bomb was designed primarily as a weapon for use in “psychological operations.” Military officials explained at the time that they hoped that this massive explosion would destabilize the morale of the Iraqi forces and pressure them to surrender or even refrain from fighting at all.

In the original concept, the bomb was to be used against large formations of troops and equipment or above-ground concrete fortifications; However, the scope of targets later expanded to include targets buried under less solid surfaces, such as caves or tunnels. Trump was the first American president to order the use of this bomb. During its first term, the army was allowed to use the most powerful non-nuclear bomb in its arsenal against ISIS sites in Afghanistan in 2017.

That strike targeted a network of fortified underground tunnels that the organization was using to launch attacks on government forces, killing 36 ISIS militants, according to Afghan officials. The explosion destroyed 3 underground tunnels, as well as weapons and ammunition, without causing any civilian casualties, according to Afghan and American officials at the time.

This bombing represented a radical shift in the position of Trump, who during his first election campaign had called for an isolationist foreign policy adopting the slogan “America First.” Following the 2017 strike, US military officials faced questions about the necessity of using a 21,600-pound bomb against that specific target, and they will likely face similar questions if they decide to use this weapon against Iran.