Using the “Mother of All Bombs” to strike Iran? Trump hasn’t ruled it out: “It’s like a mini-nuke, but not a nuclear weapon
In an exclusive interview with the conservative media outlet Newsmax on the 15th, U.S. President Trump stated that the United States might once again strike Iranian nuclear facilities—including the heavily fortified “Pickaxe Mountain”—and predicted that any conflict would end quickly, whether through negotiation or other means.
Earlier reports indicated that the Pentagon was considering the use of the GBU-43/B Massive Ordnance Air Blast (MOAB) bomb, known as the “Mother of All Bombs.” When asked about reports that he was considering using this weapon—possibly after the November 3rd midterm elections—Trump said, “The ‘Mother of All Bombs’ is not a nuclear weapon.” The host followed up by asking, “Not a tactical nuclear weapon?” Trump replied, “No, absolutely not a nuclear weapon. It’s just an extremely huge bomb—like a mini-nuke. The ‘Mother of All Bombs’ is a massive bomb, but it is not a nuclear weapon.”
Trump did not specify whether he had authorized the use of the weapon, nor did he identify potential targets. CNN reported on the 15th that the U.S. military has drawn up plans to potentially use the MOAB to strike Iranian energy and nuclear infrastructure should Trump order a resumption of hostilities. CBS News also confirmed that the White House and the Pentagon have developed plans involving the MOAB. The White House stated that it does not comment on sensitive military plans, adding that Trump retains all options to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons.
Trump also mentioned the possibility of striking “Pickaxe Mountain,” a suspected Iranian nuclear facility believed to be buried beneath layers of rock. He said, “We are considering striking Pickaxe Mountain; we might have to take action. We would launch an attack and quickly destroy that place.” When asked if U.S. ground troops would be deployed, Trump replied, “No, I don’t think so.”
Trump stated that the U.S. has already inflicted severe damage on Iran’s nuclear infrastructure, but warned that if troops were withdrawn before the possibility of Tehran acquiring nuclear weapons was eliminated, further military action might be required in the future. When asked why the U.S. did not simply declare victory and withdraw its troops, Trump said, “We could, but if we did, we might have to do it all over again within a year. We want to ensure they never possess nuclear weapons, because in my view, the moment they get them, they will use them immediately.”
Trump also expressed confidence that a war between the U.S. and Iran would end quickly, noting that the two sides are currently negotiating. He said, “The war will end soon—it will end one way or another. They are negotiating with us; oil prices will plummet like a rock, and gasoline prices will follow suit.”
发送反馈