Kathmandu, 16 Oct: The US military has developed a new attack strategy that includes the possible use of the powerful non-nuclear bomb known as the “Mother of All Bombs” (MOAB) to target Iran’s energy infrastructure and nuclear facilities if military operations against the country resume under orders from President Donald Trump.
CNN reported the development on Thursday, citing US officials. According to the officials, the United States is considering the option of using the bomb if military operations against Iran resume either before or after the November 3 midterm elections. CNN reported that using the MOAB for the first time in the ongoing conflict with Iran could further escalate the war.
However, officials familiar with US military planning have expressed doubts about how effectively the weapon would achieve Washington’s stated strategic objectives or alter the balance of power in the conflict.
Tensions remain high despite ongoing diplomatic efforts between Washington and Tehran to end the conflict. On October 8, President Trump said the United States would not launch new attacks against Iran before the November 3 midterm elections, as negotiations with Iranian officials were continuing.
However, he left open the possibility of military action after the elections. The conflict with Iran has heightened concerns about regional security and global energy supplies, particularly the security of the Strait of Hormuz. Before the war, the strategic waterway was one of the world’s major routes for oil transportation and remains vital to international energy supplies.
Weighing approximately 9,525 kilograms, the MOAB is the largest non-nuclear bomb in the US military’s arsenal. It is designed to destroy targets spread across a large area.
Iran-backed Houthi rebels, Hamas, Hezbollah, and Iran itself are disrupting the global economy by blockading major ports. Overall, Iran poses a threat to the Middle East and is certain to create instability around the world.
