Brief
Trump says he will not use nuclear weapons against Iran, but MOAB remains an option
In a Newsmax interview, Trump rejected nuclear strikes on Iran and clarified the MOAB is not a nuclear weapon.
By Felo News Desk · Published
U.S. President Donald Trump told right‑wing outlet Newsmax on Thursday that he would not use a nuclear weapon against Iran, while noting that the United States is still weighing the deployment of its largest conventional bomb, the GBU‑43/B Massive Ordnance Air Blast (MOAB), often called the “mother of all bombs.”
What happened
During the interview, Trump said, “I wouldn’t use nuclear. We don’t have to. We’re the greatest nuclear power in the world,” rejecting the idea of a nuclear or tactical nuclear strike on Iran. He added that the MOAB “is not nuclear” and described it as “just an extremely large bomb.” The president did not confirm whether he had authorized the MOAB’s use, but suggested renewed attacks on Iranian targets, particularly the Pickaxe Mountain nuclear facility, could occur soon.
What the reports add
Al Jazeera reported that Trump’s comments marked his first explicit statement on nuclear weapons in the ongoing U.S.–Iran conflict, which has escalated since the February war began. The outlet also noted that the MOAB carries about 8,500 kg of high explosives, weighs roughly 9,800 kg, and must be delivered by large transport aircraft such as the C‑130 Hercules. Experts quoted by Al Jazeera said the bomb detonates a few metres above ground, creating a fireball that can damage structures within a 1 km radius.
What was said
“I wouldn’t use nuclear. We don’t have to. We’re the greatest nuclear power in the world,” Trump told Newsmax, as reported by Al Jazeera.
He also repeated, “Well, the mother of all bombs is not nuclear… It’s not nuclear at all. This is just an extremely large bomb.”
How it came about
Trump’s remarks follow a series of statements in recent weeks warning of severe measures against Iran. In September, he told the United Nations that the United States could “annihilate” Iran if a nuclear deal was not reached, and in late September he said he expected new talks with Tehran. Earlier in October, other outlets reported that U.S. officials were drafting plans to use the MOAB against Iranian energy and nuclear sites, though the White House declined comment on those plans.
Key facts
- President Donald Trump said he will not use nuclear weapons against Iran. (aljazeera.com)
- Trump clarified that the MOAB is a conventional bomb, not nuclear. (aljazeera.com)
- The MOAB carries about 8,500 kg of explosives and must be delivered by C‑130 transport aircraft. (aljazeera.com)
- Trump suggested renewed attacks on Iran’s Pickaxe Mountain nuclear facility could happen soon. (aljazeera.com)
Sources
- [1] aljazeera.com — originally reported as “Trump rules out using a nuclear bomb on Iran: Why that matters”
