started · updated
Trump rules out nuclear use in Iran but considers MOAB strikes
President Donald Trump has explicitly ruled out the use of nuclear weapons against Iran and denied plans to deploy ground troops. However, he has not ruled out the use of the GBU-43/B Massive Ordnance Air Blast (MOAB), a non-nuclear, 9.8-ton conventional bomb. Trump suggested that the U.S. might target Iranian nuclear sites, specifically mentioning the Pickaxe Mountain underground facility.
The Pentagon is reportedly evaluating strike options against Iranian energy and nuclear infrastructure using the MOAB if combat operations are resumed. While the weapon is designed to destroy tunnels and bunkers, some military experts express doubt regarding its ability to penetrate deeply buried or heavily reinforced facilities.
In related economic developments, the U.S. Treasury Department has imposed new sanctions on 16 individuals and 10 entities linked to Iran. Additionally, the U.S. has sanctioned Cuba's state-owned Banco Internacional de Comercio (BICSA) for its financial ties to Iran's Karafarin Bank. Separately, Trump announced that the U.S. is engaged in discussions with Russia and China regarding nuclear disarmament, noting that China is rapidly expanding its arsenal.
Entities
Banco Internacional de Comercio (BICSA) · Banco Internacional de Comercio S.A. · Banco Internacional de Comercio, S. A. · Cuba · Donald Trump · Iran · Karafarin Bank · Marco Rubio · Natanz · Pentagon · Pickaxe Mountain · Russia
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [● 2 SOURCES] The Israeli military and US Central Command (CENTCOM) remain on high alert and are completing preparations.
- [● 2 SOURCES] Donald Trump stated that the United States will not launch an attack on Iran before the U.S. midterm elections.
- [● 2 SOURCES] The Israeli Prime Minister's Office denied that Netanyahu is pushing for an attack before the elections.
- [● 4 SOURCES] Benjamin Netanyahu and Donald Trump discussed a potential large-scale military operation against Iran.
- [● 2 SOURCES] A White House official denied reports that Trump and Netanyahu discussed resuming the war.
- [● 2 SOURCES] Israeli military Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir warned that resuming war before elections could delay the vote.
- [● 13 SOURCES] Donald Trump told Netanyahu to continue preparations but has not provided a formal commitment to launch an attack. jawapos.com
- [● 11 SOURCES] Netanyahu justified the request for military action by citing intelligence regarding Iran's nuclear program reconstruction. jawapos.com
- [● 11 SOURCES] Trump told Netanyahu, ‘You know what, Bibi, go ahead and make your preparations,’ though no definitive commitment was made. jawapos.com
- [● 17 SOURCES] Donald Trump and Benjamin Netanyahu discussed the possibility of a new attack on Iran during a recent phone call. jawapos.com
- [● 2 SOURCES] An analysis in Yedioth Ahronoth suggests Trump has distanced himself from Netanyahu due to disagreements over Gaza and Iran.
- [● 13 SOURCES] Both the United States and Israeli militaries have been placed on alert due to the potential for conflict. jawapos.com