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A GBU-43 Massive Ordnance Air Blast (MOAB) bomb prepared for testing at the Air Force Armament Center at Eglin Air Force Base in Florida on March 11, 2003 (local time). / EPA, Yonhap

CNN reported on the 15th that the U.S. military has formulated strike plans, including the potential deployment of the super-powerful bomb known as the "Mother of All Bombs" against Iranian energy infrastructure and nuclear facilities, should U.S. President Donald Trump order the resumption of combat operations around the time of the midterm elections scheduled for the 3rd of next month (local time).

According to multiple sources familiar with internal U.S. military planning discussions, the first operational use in the war with Iran of the GBU-43/B Massive Ordnance Air Blast (MOAB), the most powerful conventional weapon in the U.S. inventory, could represent a major escalation.

However, critics have also pointed out that questions remain over how effective this weapon would be in achieving the strategic objectives outlined by President Trump or turning the tide of the war.

One source stated that President Trump directed the U.S. military to draw up plans for additional strikes against targets including key Iranian energy infrastructure, and instructed the military on the potential use of the MOAB bomb.

According to this source, President Trump used phrasing indicating that the strikes would be carried out before U.S. troops withdraw from the Central Command area of responsibility (CENTCOM AOR).

This suggests that the administration could conduct additional strikes, declare victory, and then promptly pull out troops.

Another source conveyed that the use of the MOAB is explicitly stipulated in military plans to strike the Iranian nuclear facility known as "Pickaxe Mountain."

The U.S. and Israel assess that components of Iran's nuclear program are housed at this site. President Trump has issued repeated warnings in recent months threatening to attack the location.

President Trump is facing pressure from public opinion demanding an end to the war with Iran. The two countries have shown no signs of defusing their confrontation throughout the conflict, which has lasted for more than six months.

While some officials within the U.S. administration have assessed that the war is effectively won, President Trump has maintained a cautious posture. In recent remarks, he stated that unresolved tasks still remain in Iran.

Although some allies have urged behind the scenes for the U.S. to withdraw its troops and step back from Iranian affairs, President Trump expressed skepticism, arguing that doing so could be perceived as a defeat.

                                                                                                             Kim Hyun-min