US weighs using MOAB bomb on Iran, no final decision taken, say reports

Military tension between the United States and Iran in the Middle East is rising by the day. With the world watching the region, a possible US military strategy has caused a stir internationally. Citing sources and various international reports, it is being said that the US military is seriously considering the option of using the "Mother of All Bombs", or MOAB, in any possible action against Iran.

The bomb is regarded as the largest and most destructive non-nuclear weapon in the US arsenal. If the US takes this startling decision, the conflict between the two countries could slide into an uncontrollable war. It is equally important, however, that the US administration has so far taken no final or official decision on using the bomb.

At the centre of the tension is a stern statement from Rear Admiral Ali Azmai, commander of the navy of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) of Iran. Issuing an open warning to the US, he said any provocative or aggressive act by American ships in the Gulf region would draw an extremely strong and direct response from Iran. Following this stance from Iran, the US administration is reported to be examining different military options.

CNN has revealed these plans, citing senior officials of the US Department of Defense. According to the report, the Pentagon has kept detailed military blueprints ready for strikes on specific Iranian targets. If US President Donald Trump once again orders direct military action against Iran, these plans could be put into effect immediately. In other words, serious discussion is under way in the US war room on options for large-scale, hard-hitting strikes against Iran.

The weapon's official technical name is GBU-43/B Massive Ordnance Air Blast (MOAB). It is not an atom bomb, yet its destructive power is considered no less than that of a nuclear weapon. It is designed specifically to destroy extremely fortified military bases, underground bunkers and solid military structures.

The bomb, about 20 feet long, weighs thousands of kilograms. Its biggest strength is that before exploding it can penetrate 200 feet of earth and 60 feet of concrete. Because of this ability to go deep underground before detonating, it is considered the most effective option for destroying Iran's underground nuclear project and military sites.

If the US attacked Iran with the MOAB or a similar large bomb, the impact would not remain limited to the two countries. Oil-rich countries across the Middle East could be scorched by the war. If Iran's energy plants or oil refineries were hit, the supply of crude oil and natural gas in the international market could come to a complete halt.

This could send crude prices soaring in world markets and set off severe inflation in many countries of the US, Europe and Asia. For a country like India, which meets more than 80 per cent of its crude oil needs through imports, the crisis would be very serious. If fuel prices rise, transport costs and the prices of grain and everyday items will go up in India, and the common man's budget could be upset. The possible confrontation between the US and Iran is therefore becoming a warning bell not only militarily but for the economy of the entire world.