Trump rules out nukes and ground troops in Iran, but plans ready for MOAB, largest non-nuclear bomb
First seen · Oct 17, 4:04 AM (Seoul) · Last updated · Oct 17, 4:04 AM (Seoul)
President Trump said he will not use nuclear weapons against Iran and does not expect to send ground troops. The White House and Pentagon have reportedly drawn up plans to use the MOAB, the largest U.S. non-nuclear bomb, if ordered.
What happened
President Donald Trump told Newsmax he would not use nuclear weapons against Iran and does not anticipate deploying ground troops. The remarks came after CNN reported that new strike options could include the GBU-43/B ‘MOAB,’ the largest non-nuclear bomb in the U.S. arsenal. The White House and Pentagon have reportedly prepared plans to use the bomb if Trump gives the order.
Why it's trending
Attacks on ships around the Strait of Hormuz have continued amid the war with Iran. On Oct. 15 the Singapore-flagged GFS Pride caught fire and sank after being struck by an unidentified projectile, and more than 20 vessels have been attacked this month according to UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO). The MOAB was last used in Afghanistan in 2017.
Reactions
The White House declined to comment on the specifics of the MOAB plans. U.S. Central Command dismissed Iranian claims of control over the strait, saying commercial vessels continue to transit.
What to watch
Bloomberg reported that senior Pentagon officials plan to delay releasing an internal report on a strike on a school in southern Iran that killed at least 156 people until at least after the midterm elections, which are less than three weeks away.