A new military scenario that could change the balance in the Middle East has come to the fore. The plans allegedly prepared by the US military in case Donald Trump orders a large-scale attack again include a huge bomb that can target Iran's energy infrastructure and nuclear facilities.
According to CNN International, based on multiple US officials, the Washington administration is also considering the use of the largest non-nuclear bomb in the US arsenal as an option. However, it is a matter of debate whether this giant ammunition can destroy the nuclear facilities located deep underground, which is stated to be one of the main targets.
INSTRUCTIONS FROM TRUMP FOR NEW ATTACK OPTIONS
According to sources who spoke to CNN and have knowledge of military planning, Trump asked for additional attack options to be prepared against Iran. The plans also include energy infrastructure and facilities connected to the country's nuclear program.
It is stated that these options can be activated if the US President decides to restart large-scale military operations. The possibility of possible attacks being carried out before or after the upcoming midterm elections in the USA is also on the agenda.
One of the sources stated that the operations could be carried out before US forces withdraw from the Central Command's area of responsibility (CENTCOM). If this scenario comes true, the Washington administration may launch new attacks against Iran before declaring victory and withdrawing its troops.
'MOTHER OF ALL BOMBS'
One of the prominent points in the plans was the facility in Kazma Mountain, which is thought to be linked to Iran's nuclear program.
A second source speaking to CNN said that the attack options for the facility in question clearly included the use of the GBU-43/B Massive Ordnance Air Blast (MOAB), known as the "mother of all bombs."
Washington and Israel believe that some components of Iran's nuclear program are hidden in this region. Trump had also previously made threats about targeting Kazma Mountain.
The US President argues that preventing Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons is one of the main goals of the military campaign. However, how to neutralize facilities buried deep underground and protected by heavy fortifications stands out as one of the most critical questions of military planning.
IT CAN HIT A LARGE AREA WITH ONE EXPLOSION
Described as the largest non-nuclear bomb in the US arsenal, the GBU-43/B MOAB is designed to produce devastating effects over a wide area.
It is stated that the effect of GPS-guided munitions can spread over an area corresponding to approximately nine city blocks. This feature makes the bomb one of the weapons that can cause great destruction in large areas.
However, the size of the giant bomb does not mean that it can destroy every target underground. According to information provided by CNN, the effectiveness of the ammunition against deep facilities surrounded by thick granite layers and heavy protective structures remains unclear.
A source familiar with the military planning discussions stated that the MOAB is aimed at neutralizing large areas rather than penetrating deep, and said that the bomb is a weapon that is "effective for clearing large areas, but does not do much else."
'CAN IT CHANGE EVERYTHING?'
It is evaluated that large-scale destruction may occur at the explosion point if MOAB is used. Serious concerns may arise regarding civilian casualties, especially if energy infrastructure near populated areas is targeted or civilian facilities are affected by attacks.
Moreover, the bomb's ability to destroy underground nuclear facilities is uncertain. Despite this, US officials are reportedly also evaluating the psychological impact the ammunition may have.
One of the sources speaking to CNN stated that the giant bomb may be on the agenda to put pressure on Iran due to the limitations of existing ammunition against deep targets.
This approach indicates that, in addition to military effectiveness, psychological pressure is also considered among Washington's options.
WILL THE ATTACK FORCE IRAN TO TAKE A STEP BACK?
According to CNN's report, it is stated that Trump may face pressure to take further steps against Iran. However, it remains unclear whether new attacks will force Tehran to accept Washington's demands.
U.S. military planners regularly prepare scenarios to offer decision makers options for operations at different levels of intensity. These options can range from more limited operations to more powerful attacks against heavily defended targets.
