The US military has developed strike plans that could include using the GBU-43/B Massive Ordnance Air Blast Bomb, also known as the “mother of all bombs”, against Iranian energy infrastructure and nuclear sites if President Donald Trump orders renewed combat operations, CNN reported on Thursday citing US officials familiar with the matter.
The potential deployment of the largest non-nuclear bomb in the US arsenal would mark a significant escalation in the conflict, although officials familiar with military planning discussions told CNN questions remain over its effectiveness in achieving Washington’s strategic objectives.
Reuters could not immediately verify the report.
Speaking about news reports that the U.S. is considering potential strikes against Iran before the midterms in November, President Trump said Wednesday it was his opinion that “leakers should be shot.”
“In the old days, we used to shoot leakers,” Mr. Trump said during a campaign rally speech in Bullhead City, Arizona. “When they leak what time you’re going to attack a country, and the reason you’re attacking is really for defense, because you don’t want them to have a weapon that can blow up millions of people in one shot.”
“Now, leakers should be dealt with very, very strongly,” he added. “To me, they’re the scum of the earth.”