Trump Weighs New Strikes on Iran While Insisting Talks Continue

Why Trump Is Considering the MOAB Now

US President Donald Trump said he is considering fresh military strikes on Iran that would avoid nuclear weapons and ground troops, while maintaining that diplomatic negotiations with Tehran remain active. Speaking on Newsmax’s „Finnerty” program on Thursday, Trump addressed reports he is evaluating the use of the GBU-43/B Massive Ordnance Air Blast bomb, commonly known as the „mother of all bombs,” as a potential option. He emphasized that any action would be limited in scope and not involve deploying US troops on the ground. The remarks come amid heightened tensions over Iran’s nuclear program and regional influence, with Trump reiterating his preference for a deal that prevents Tehran from acquiring nuclear weapons. He insisted that talks are ongoing, even as he explores stronger military pressure to compel Iranian compliance.

Trump’s mention of the GBU-43/B reflects a strategy of using overwhelming conventional force to signal resolve without escalating to nuclear conflict or risking American casualties through ground invasions. The MOAB, one of the largest non-nuclear bombs in the US arsenal, was previously used in Afghanistan in 2017 against ISIS targets. Its potential deployment against Iran would aim to destroy fortified underground facilities linked to Iran’s nuclear or missile programs. Trump argued that such a strike could cripple key infrastructure while avoiding the political and human costs of a broader war. He framed the option as part of a broader effort to strengthen America’s negotiating position, suggesting that demonstrating military readiness could push Iran back to the table with more serious concessions.

What Would a Limited Strike Achieve?

A strike using the MOAB would likely target deeply buried sites that conventional bombs cannot reach, such as uranium enrichment complexes or missile production facilities hidden beneath mountains. Military analysts note that while the weapon causes massive blast overpressure, its effects are localized and do not produce fallout like nuclear arms. Trump insisted that any action would be precise and proportional, designed to degrade Iran’s capabilities without triggering a full-scale regional war. He also reiterated that the US seeks to prevent Iran from ever obtaining a nuclear weapon, calling it a non-negotiable goal. Despite the tough rhetoric, he maintained that diplomacy remains the preferred path, claiming that backchannel discussions are still happening even amid public threats.

Is Trump planning to use nuclear weapons against Iran? No, Trump explicitly stated that any potential strikes would not involve nuclear weapons, focusing instead on conventional options like the GBU-43/B to avoid escalation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are talks with Iran really still happening? Trump insisted negotiations are under way, though he provided no details on format, location, or participants, and offered no evidence to substantiate the claim.

Would a MOAB strike require congressional approval? Trump did not address legal authority, but past use of the MOAB has occurred under existing presidential war powers, though critics argue major actions should involve Congress.