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US-Iran tensions: US develops plans for MOAB strikes

Overview

By late October 2026, US-Iran tensions have escalated through military planning and intensified economic warfare. The U.S. military is developing contingency plans to deploy the GBU-43/B Massive Ordnance Air Blast (MOAB) against Iranian strategic targets, including the fortified Pickaxe Mountain bunker near Natanz and energy infrastructure. While President Trump has asserted, “We will most likely hit that area very soon. Moreover, there is nothing they can do against it,” he has explicitly ruled out nuclear weapons, stating, “I wouldn't use nuclear weapons. We don't have to.” He clarified that the MOAB is “not an atomic bomb,” but “just a very large bomb.”

In response to these threats, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) announced it is preparing to unveil a new 10-ton weapon dubbed the “Father of All Bombs.” This weapon, reportedly weighing 200 kg more than the American MOAB, is designed for deployment from heavy transport aircraft. Iranian officials also noted that their missile stockpile has increased by 1.5 times following a 2025 conflict with Israel.

Economic fallout remains severe, with the closure of the Strait of Hormuz contributing to a global surcost of $468 billion for fuel. While President Trump has indicated he will not launch strikes before the November 3 midterm elections to avoid impacting fuel prices, he has not ruled out future operations. Amidst military positioning, a Qatari delegation arrived in Tehran to facilitate peace negotiations following a letter from Vice President JD Vance, though some Iranian officials have reportedly rejected peace proposals.

Entities

Iran · Donald Trump · United States · JD Vance · Strait of Hormuz

Claims

What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.

Timeline

  1. [INTERNATIONAL] 2 sources
    United States considers MOAB for potential strikes on Iran

    The US military is reportedly considering the use of the GBU-43/B Massive Ordnance Air Blast (MOAB) in potential strikes against Iranian energy and nuclear infrastructure.

  2. [INTERNATIONAL] 36 sources
    Trump discusses military options for Iran with CENTCOM commander

    U.S. CENTCOM commander Brad Cooper briefed President Trump on military options for Iran. Allies are reportedly being prepared for potential strikes following the November 3 midterm elections.

  3. [BUSINESS] 3 sources
    United States faces rising fuel costs amid Iran conflict

    Rising fuel prices due to the Iran conflict have cost the average American $471, contributing to growing public dissatisfaction with inflation management.

  4. [INTERNATIONAL] 14 sources
    Iran prepares to unveil ‘Father of All Bombs’ in response to US threats

    Iran is preparing to unveil a 10-ton weapon called the ‘Father of All Bombs’ following US threats to use the GBU-43/B MOAB against its facilities.

  5. [INTERNATIONAL] 11 sources
    Donald Trump discusses potential use of MOAB against Iran

    President Donald Trump has ruled out nuclear weapons against Iran but addressed reports that the U.S. is considering using the massive GBU-43/B MOAB bomb against Iranian energy and nuclear sites.

  6. [INTERNATIONAL] 53 sources
    Iran war drives up global energy costs and U.S. household expenses

    The Iran conflict is driving up global energy costs, costing the average U.S. household nearly $2,000 and increasing Europe's fossil fuel import bill by over 100 billion euros.

  7. [INTERNATIONAL] 201 sources
    Trump rules out nuclear use in Iran but considers MOAB strikes

    President Trump has ruled out nuclear weapons and ground troops in Iran but remains open to using the MOAB conventional bomb against Iranian nuclear sites like Pickaxe Mountain.

  8. [INTERNATIONAL] 85 sources
    US military develops strike plans against Iranian nuclear and energy sites

    The US military has prepared strike plans against Iranian energy and nuclear sites, including the potential use of the GBU-43/B MOAB bomb, which could occur before or after the US midterm elections.

  9. [INTERNATIONAL] 6 sources
    Pentagon develops plans for potential military strikes against Iran

    The Pentagon is developing plans for intensive, short-term military strikes against Iran's missile, drone, and energy infrastructure, though President Trump stated no attacks will occur before the midterm.

  10. [INTERNATIONAL] 280 sources
    Pentagon prepares military options for potential strikes against Iran

    The Pentagon is preparing military options for potential strikes against Iranian energy and nuclear sites, though President Trump has stated no attacks will occur before the November 3 midterm elections.

  11. [INTERNATIONAL] 18 sources
    US Vice President Vance says Iran conflict entering new phase

    US Vice President JD Vance announced the Iran conflict is entering a new phase focused on preventing military rebuilding, following the completion of the first phase targeting nuclear and conventional assets.

  12. [INTERNATIONAL] 18 sources
    JD Vance seeks direct military assessments on Iran war and munitions shortages

    Vice President JD Vance privately sought unfiltered military assessments on the Iran war, revealing critical shortages in Patriot interceptors and other munitions that contradict official administration claims.

  13. [INTERNATIONAL] 5 sources
    JD Vance addresses US-Iran conflict and civilian casualty claims

    US Vice President JD Vance stated peace talks with Iran are contingent on the cessation of attacks on ships, while defending US military operations and denying that the US targets civilians in combat.

  14. [INTERNATIONAL] 6 sources
    Iran-US tensions escalate following airstrikes and civilian casualties

    U.S. Vice President JD Vance downplays the Iran conflict as not being a ‘war,’ while Iran threatens retaliation following U.S. airstrikes that reportedly hit a wedding in Sirik, causing mass casualties.

  15. [INTERNATIONAL] 18 sources
    US leaders downplay Iran conflict as ‘small potatoes’

    US leaders JD Vance and Donald Trump have downplayed the seven-month conflict with Iran as a ‘military conflict’ rather than a war, despite rising casualties and continued attacks on commercial shipping.

  16. [INTERNATIONAL] 4 sources
    US Vice President Vance targets Iran nuclear ambitions and energy security

    U.S. Vice President JD Vance stated that preventing Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons is a top priority, while emphasizing that Washington will protect global energy trade from Iranian disruption.

  17. [POLITICS] 7 sources
    JD Vance prioritizes energy prices over Iran nuclear threat

    Vice President JD Vance has prioritized global energy price stability over preventing an Iranian nuclear weapon, amid criticism from Barack Obama regarding the $30 billion cost of the conflict.

  18. [INTERNATIONAL] 2 sources
    JD Vance: Hormuz agreement could restore Gulf oil flows

    U.S. Vice President JD Vance expressed hope that negotiations between Iran and Oman could restore Persian Gulf oil and gas flows to pre-war levels via a new maritime security agreement.

  19. [INTERNATIONAL] 5 sources
    Iran denies plans to charge transit fees in Strait of Hormuz, says US VP Vance

    U.S. Vice President James David Vance reports that Iran has denied plans to charge transit fees in the Strait of Hormuz, while discussions continue regarding maritime security and energy flows.

  20. [POLITICS] 10 sources
    U.S. Vice President JD Vance says Iran talks will be messy and lengthy

    JD Vance says Iran negotiations will be messy, oil at $79, Iran won’t get nukes, US will be stronger; Trump prefers diplomacy but readies a large attack; Iran‑Oman discuss Strait of Hormuz truce.

  21. [POLITICS] 6 sources
    J.D. Vance faces mounting GOP challenges and ideological scrutiny

    Vice President J.D. Vance confronts GOP infighting, neoreaction ties, and neocon criticism over Iran policy, threatening his 2028 presidential prospects.

  22. [POLITICS] 4 sources
    JD Vance Criticizes Homelessness Conditions and Accuses Israeli Officials of Shaping US Iran War Views

    JD Vance called Skid Row a “third‑world” area and warned of its crisis, then accused Israeli officials of pushing U.S. support for the Iran war, citing recent Netanyahu‑Trump coordination.

  23. [POLITICS] 2 sources
    U.S. Vice President JD Vance broadens media tour amid political challenges

    Vice President JD Vance expands his media presence with talks on faith, policy and the Iran war, while facing GOP criticism and speculation about his 2028 prospects.

  24. [POLITICS] 4 sources
    JD Vance’s Iran MOU Defended on Joe Rogan Podcast Amid Trump‑Sideline Claims

    JD Vance defended a sidelined Iran MOU on a podcast, while a Pence ally called his comments straw‑man and the deal naïve, amid Trump’s public rejection of the agreement.

  25. [POLITICS] 6 sources
    U.S. Vice President JD Vance Links Jeffrey Epstein to Israeli Intelligence

    Vice President JD Vance claimed many link Jeffrey Epstein to Israeli intelligence, a statement that sparked criticism and highlighted documented ties between Epstein and former Israeli PM Ehud Barak.

  26. [POLITICS] 6 sources
    JD Vance Echoes Tucker Carlson's Israel Influence Claims

    JD Vance on the Joe Rogan Podcast repeated Tucker Carlson’s claim that Israel exerts extraordinary, secret influence over U.S. politics, echoing familiar conspiracy narratives.

  27. [POLITICS] 74 sources
    US Vice President JD Vance accuses Israeli officials of influence campaign to derail Iran peace deal

    US Vice President JD Vance alleged a covert Israeli‑funded influence campaign is trying to sway US opinion and sabotage the June US‑Iran peace agreement.

  28. [POLITICS] 2 sources
    JD Vance pressures Smithsonian over portrait director while defending U.S. support for Israel

    Vice President JD Vance urged Smithsonian trustees to obey Trump’s demand to oust the National Portrait Gallery director and has been criticised for backing Israel’s military actions and harsh policies toward I

  29. [POLITICS] 2 sources
    Israel rejects claim it has no allies, highlights ties with India and other partners

    An Israeli expert refuted US VP JD Vance's claim that Israel has no friends, citing ties with India and other regions, and condemned the claim as a false, antisemitic trope spreading in US politics.

  30. [POLITICS] 15 sources
    Benjamin Netanyahu says India supports Israel, rejects US‑only ally claim

    Netanyahu told Fox News Israel has many allies, citing “tremendous” support from India and calling Donald Trump its greatest friend, after U.S. VP JD Vance said the U.S. is Israel’s only powerful ally.

  31. [POLITICS] 3 sources
    Vice President JD Vance Highlights America First Agenda in Recent Media Appearances

    Vice President JD Vance used recent TV and radio interviews to defend the America First agenda and the Islamabad Memorandum peace deal with Iran, citing 56% public support.

  32. [POLITICS] 2 sources
    US Vice President JD Vance ties to Vietnam publisher, leads Iran cease‑fire talks

    JD Vance’s 2025 disclosure reveals a $5,500 royalty from Vietnam Omega Books and earnings of $1.44‑$7.4 million, while he leads U.S. negotiations with Iran after a June cease‑fire.

  33. [POLITICS] 6 sources
    US Vice President JD Vance says Trump would bomb Iran only for a specific strategic aim

    JD Vance says Trump would bomb Iran only for a clear strategic goal; Tehran denies peace talks while technical US‑Iran negotiations continue in Doha with Qatar's mediation; Iran sets conditions and asserts Horm

  34. [POLITICS] 2 sources
    U.S. Vice President Vance and Secretary of State Rubio clash over Iran‑Israel policy

    U.S. Vice President Vance and Secretary of State Rubio disagree on Iran‑Israel policy, with Vance defending a new Iran MoU and Rubio backing Israel, amid heightened Middle‑East tensions.

  35. [INTERNATIONAL] 9 sources
    Iran lifts oil sanctions, hikes export price by 20%

    Iran says U.S. lifted oil sanctions, raising export prices by 20% and moving 40 million barrels in under two weeks; it reaffirms Hormuz Strait rights and nuclear enrichment claims, while U.S. Vice President V.

  36. [POLITICS] 5 sources
    US Vice President JD Vance Declares American Victory Regardless of Iran Nuclear Deal Outcome

    US Vice President JD Vance says America has already won against Iran's nuclear program, regardless of any deal, as talks in Switzerland and recent strikes heighten tensions.

  37. [POLITICS] 2 sources
    US administration shows internal split over Iran‑Israel conflict

    Vice President Pence and Secretary of State Rubio publicly disagreed on US policy toward Iran and Israel, exposing a split within the Trump administration over Middle East strategy.

  38. [POLITICS] 8 sources
    US Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio clash over Iran deal and Israel strikes

    Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio differ on the US‑Iran agreement and Israel’s strikes, while the White House claims full unity behind President Trump.

  39. [POLITICS] 2 sources
    US Vice President JD Vance backs Iran agreement, defends it against Israel criticism

    Vice President JD Vance oversees a controversial Iran deal, urges Israel to be grateful, and defends a geopolitically driven U.S. foreign‑aid program spanning several countries.

  40. [POLITICS] 10 sources
    US‑Iran MOU Sparks Debate Over Farmer Aid and Regional Tensions

    The US‑Iran MOU releases frozen assets for humanitarian aid, creates a US‑Iran communication channel, and is promoted as a market boost for US farmers, while facing criticism from Israel, right‑wing media, and農

  41. [POLITICS] 2 sources
    US Vice President JD Vance Defends Iran Deal While Attacking Israel

    Vice President JD Vance defends the US‑Iran interim deal and criticises Israeli officials, while GOP Rep. Randy Fine publicly opposes him, sparking intra‑party tension.

  42. [POLITICS] 2 sources
    US Vice President JD Vance says Israel seeks to influence American politics

    Vice President JD Vance said Israel tries to influence US politics, urged scrutiny of foreign agendas, noted US‑Iran deal’s limited benefit to Iran and falling oil prices.

  43. [POLITICS] 2 sources
    Trump confronts Vice President JD Vance over Iran strike wording

    Trump angrily demanded VP JD Vance repeat “totally obliterated” after US strikes on Iran’s nuclear sites, exposing a White House rift over Iran policy.

  44. [POLITICS] 3 sources
    US Vice President JD Vance backs US‑Iran missile agreement, says Israel can't kill its way out

    Vice President JD Vance defended a U.S.–Iran missile deal, saying Israel can’t solve security issues by killing and calling Israeli opposition a mistrust‑driven “freakout.”

  45. [POLITICS] 5 sources
    U.S. Vice President warns Israel against attacking sole strong ally

    U.S. Vice President warned Israel not to attack its sole strong ally, criticized Israeli officials for opposing the U.S.–Iran nuclear pact, and highlighted U.S. military aid to Israel.

  46. [POLITICS] 3 sources
    U.S. Vice President JD Vance flags disagreements with Israeli PM Netanyahu

    Vice President JD Vance said U.S. and Israel sometimes share interests but often differ, accusing Netanyahu of making mistakes on Iran and stressing U.S. priorities over the partnership.

  47. [POLITICS] 6 sources
    JD Vance says US and Israel diverge on Iran talks as Trump pushes deal

    JD Vance says U.S. and Israel have different goals on Iran as Trump pushes a deal and orders strikes after an Apache helicopter was downed, raising regional tension.

  48. [POLITICS] 4 sources
    U.S. Vice President JD Vance Says American and Israeli Interests Diverge on Iran Policy

    Vice President JD Vance says the U.S. and Israel share interests but diverge on Iran policy, stressing Washington’s goal to stop an Iranian nuclear weapon despite Israeli reservations.

  49. [POLITICS] 2 sources
    U.S. Vice President JD Vance says Washington will continue Iran negotiations despite Israeli opposition

    Vice President JD Vance says the U.S. will keep negotiating with Iran despite Israel's stance; Iran confirms talks via Pakistan, and Trump urges both sides to halt hostilities.

  50. [POLITICS] 2 sources
    U.S. Vice President JD Vance Returns to Washington Amid Iran Tensions

    Vice President JD Vance rushed back to Washington, cutting short an Ohio trip, as President Trump also stayed in DC, underscoring heightened U.S. focus on Iran's nuclear tensions.

Sources

1-a1072.azureedge.net · 1001infos.net · 100percentfedup.com · 14ymedio.com · 15min.lt · 168.am · 20minutos.es · 24-ore.com · 24.hu · 24sata.hr · 2news.com · 360stepeni.mk · 680news.com · a1plus.am · abcnews.al · abendblatt.de · ac24.cz · acierta.mx · actiunea.ro · activistpost.com · actualidad.rt.com · actualno.com · acvila30.ro · adevarul.ro · adressa.no · advocat.com.br · aereo.jor.br · afnn.us · aftabnews.ir · agenciacomunas.com.ar · agenparl.eu · agorarn.com.br · ahewar.org · ahwal.sa · ajkerpatrika.com · akhbar-rooz.com · aksam.com.tr · aktuelno.me · al-monitor.com · alaraby.co.uk · alephnews.ro · alethonews.com · alethonews.wordpress.com · alfajertv.com · alkhabaralyemeni.net · almanar.com.lb · almanartv.com.lb · almashhad-alyemeni.com

This summary has been updated 39 times: see revision history