US weighs 'mother of all bombs' option against Iran
Trump has ruled out nuclear weapons against Iran but did not rule out the massive conventional bomb. Officials are evaluating an underground nuclear complex as a possible target.
By Standard Topic. AI-generated from the reporting listed under Coverage. Published . Updated .
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What happened
The U.S. military has reportedly drawn up options for strikes on Iran, including possible use of one of the largest non-nuclear bombs in its arsenal. President Donald Trump confirmed the United States is evaluating Iran's fortified Pickaxe Mountain nuclear complex as a potential target. Trump has ruled out nuclear weapons, though he did not deny the bomb could be used.
Why it matters
Iran has vowed to fight on, leaving the two sides in a stalemate. Analysts are weighing what Trump could do next and at what cost.
Timeline
- Oct 15, 6:44 AM ET: The U.S. military reportedly drew up strike options on Iran that include the 'mother of all bombs', as Iran vowed to fight on.
- Oct 16, 6:21 AM ET: Trump ruled out using a nuclear bomb on Iran, the first time he addressed nuclear weapons, without denying the conventional bomb could be used.
- Oct 16, 7:04 AM ET: Trump confirmed the U.S. is evaluating Iran's Pickaxe Mountain nuclear complex as a potential target, saying, "We'll knock it out fast."
Coverage
- Washington eyeing MOAB deployment against Iran's underground nuclear facilities (Fox News)
- Trump rules out using a nuclear bomb on Iran: Why that matters (Al Jazeera)
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