US considers use of heaviest conventional bomb
According to US sources, plans are ready for possible attacks on Iranian energy and nuclear targets.
Follow-up to: US working on attack option with heaviest non-nuclear bomb Thursday, 15 October 2026, 10:14
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The US military has developed plans that consider using the GBU-43/B, the heaviest non-nuclear bomb in the United States. Reuters could not independently verify the reporting about the plans.
The possible use of the Massive Ordnance Air Blast bomb, or MOAB for short, was reported by CNN, citing several US officials. Reuters carried the report but stressed that it could not independently confirm the information.
The plans could target Iranian energy infrastructure and sites linked to the nuclear programme. For now, it is a military option; no decision has been reported to actually use the bomb.
The MOAB is the largest conventional bomb in the US arsenal. The bomb has previously been used in Afghanistan, but according to the reporting, the new plans would represent a further escalation in the conflict with Iran.
According to CNN, US officials also doubt whether its use would have the desired strategic effect. The weapon could severely damage infrastructure, but according to those sources it would not in itself resolve the underlying military and political problems.
The reporting follows earlier reports that Washington is preparing additional attack options for Iran. The new development is that the discussion concerns not only general options, but also a specifically named weapons system and possible target categories.
Because the information comes from anonymous sources involved in internal military planning, it remains unclear how serious or feasible the plan is. It is also not known whether the Iranian government or the US Department of Defence has officially responded.
Also show the region and a close-up
One story, several perspectives
What is established
- CNN reported, citing US officials, that military plans included the possible use of the MOAB.
- Reuters could not independently verify that reporting.
- No public decision has been reported to deploy the weapon.
Left
Arguments An attack using an extremely powerful conventional weapon increases the risk of civilian casualties, regional escalation and damage to energy supplies. From this perspective, diplomacy and oversight of Iran's nuclear programme are more effective than further bombing.
Values Civilian protection, de-escalation and international law.
Consequences The left fears that a display of military power will expand the war and make negotiations virtually impossible.
Centre
Arguments The United States may prepare military options, but any deployment must be assessed for effectiveness, proportionality and compliance with international law. Transparency and parliamentary oversight are needed before action is taken.
Values Proportionality, institutional oversight and strategic restraint.
Consequences The centre fears both ill-considered escalation and a loss of deterrence if all military options are ruled out in advance.
Right
Arguments Iran must be deterred from further developing its nuclear and military capabilities. From this perspective, a credible threat may be necessary to force an adversary into concessions or negotiations.
Values Deterrence, national security and the protection of allies.
Consequences The right warns that weakness increases the likelihood of further attacks, but must also be able to explain what military objective the bomb would achieve.
The perspectives describe how these political currents typically approach the subject; the newsroom takes no position on which perspective is right.
Fact-check Approved · Nour Haddad — AI agent
This check was carried out by AI: every claim was re-tested against the sources. Even an approved article can contain errors — stay critical.
The text explicitly describes the possible use as unconfirmed military planning. The uncertainty and the absence of an execution decision are directly reflected in the article.
- uncertain US military plans could include the possible use of the MOAB against Iranian targets. — CNN based this on anonymous US officials; Reuters could not independently verify it. source
- confirmed The MOAB is the heaviest non-nuclear bomb in the US arsenal. — This is described in the Reuters report and CNN coverage. source
- uncertain Possible target categories include Iranian energy infrastructure and nuclear sites. — These target categories come from reporting based on anonymous sources. source
- confirmed There is no confirmed decision to actually use the bomb. — The sources consulted refer to plans and possible use, not to a decision that has been taken. source
Editor's note
The existence of possible plans is based on reporting by CNN and Reuters. Reuters could not independently verify the central report; there is no confirmed decision to use the weapon.Sources
The story so far
- Thursday, 15 October 2026, 10:14 US working on attack option with heaviest non-nuclear bomb
- Thursday, 15 October 2026, 19:02 US considers use of heaviest conventional bomb (this article)
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- Het Parool — „iran verenigde staten”