MOAB bomb may fail to destroy Iran's deeply buried nuclear sites, experts warn
The GBU-43/B MOAB weighs 9,800kg and contains about 8,500kg of explosives. Experts say it cannot reliably destroy deeply buried nuclear bunkers.
The US has developed plans to deploy the MOAB (Massive Ordnance Air Blast bomb) against Iran's nuclear facilities if President Trump orders renewed combat operations. The weapon weighs 9,800 kilograms.
The MOAB is the largest non-nuclear bomb in the US military arsenal. Military experts say the MOAB would likely fail to destroy Iran's most deeply fortified nuclear installations, such as the Fordow complex.
Another facility under construction is Pickaxe Mountain. Even within the Trump administration, officials question whether the weapon would work.
Elijah Magnier, a Brussels-based military expert, told Al Jazeera a MOAB strike would amount to little more than political theatre. Any strike would likely trigger a major Iranian response.
- Fordow complex and Pickaxe Mountain
- Target sites
- Elijah Magnier called it political theatre
- Expert assessment
Why it mattersA MOAB strike would risk dramatic escalation of conflict with Iran, with unpredictable consequences for regional security.
AustraliaNo direct Australian involvement, though Middle East escalation affects global oil prices and energy markets affecting fuel costs.
✓ Claims checked against the source. checked 2 h ago
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