Trump's remarks follow reports from CNN and CBS News that the White House and Pentagon prepared strike packages using the MOAB against Iranian military sites, energy infrastructure and nuclear facilities before or after the November 3 midterm elections. One official told CNN the strikes were planned "prior to US retrograde" in the US Central Command area of responsibility, allowing the administration to hit targets, declare victory and withdraw forces.
Military planners told CNN the surface air-blast weapon can flatten an area equivalent to nine city blocks but is "definitely not designed as a deep penetration warhead" capable of reaching nuclear facilities buried under granite. Instead, officials said the weapon is equipped for "psychological effects" at a time when the US stockpile of GBU-57 bunker busters is depleted.