American network CNN revealed on Thursday that the US military has prepared plans to launch additional strikes against targets in Iran, which may include using the largest non-nuclear bomb in the US arsenal, known as the 'Mother of All Bombs,' to target energy facilities and nuclear sites, should US President Donald Trump decide to resume military operations.
The network, citing US officials and informed sources, stated that these plans come amid stalled negotiations between Washington and Tehran, and ongoing discussions within the US administration on how to end the war, noting that Trump seeks to achieve what it described as a 'symbolic victory' that can be presented to the American public.
According to sources, some plans include the possibility of using a 'MOAB' bomb to target Iranian nuclear facilities, including the 'Jabal al-Faws' site, which the US and Israel believe Iran uses to store components of its nuclear program. However, sources doubted the bomb's ability to destroy fortified underground facilities, clarifying that it is designed to cause a massive explosion over a wide area, not to penetrate deep fortifications, raising questions about its feasibility in achieving stated military objectives.
CNN noted that using the bomb could cause widespread destruction in the target area and raise concerns about civilian casualties, especially if used against facilities near populated areas. The network pointed out that the US administration is looking for options to end the conflict without resorting to a large-scale ground operation, as Trump faces internal pressure to end the war amid declining public support and uncertainty about when military operations will resume.
A White House official confirmed that Trump keeps all options open to ensure Iran does not acquire a nuclear weapon, while a US Department of Defense official stated that the ministry is preparing plans for a wide range of military scenarios in accordance with the President and Defense Secretary's directives. Trump announced on Wednesday that Iranians are on edge, saying, 'We will teach them a harsh lesson; our patience has run out,' emphasizing that Iran will not possess a nuclear weapon and that energy prices will drop sharply once the war ends.
Source: Syrian Arab News Agency (SANA)
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