Trump rejects nuclear and ground options against Iran, MOAB discussed

Trump rejects nuclear and ground options against Iran, MOAB discussed

Politics Security

President Donald Trump told Newsmax in Washington on 16 October that he has no plans to employ nuclear weapons or deploy ground troops against Iran, even as he discussed the GBU-43/B Massive Ordnance Air Blast (MOAB) bomb. Earlier in the week, U.

S. officials said they were reviewing options that could involve the MOAB for potential strikes on Iranian energy and nuclear facilities, and the White House and Pentagon had drafted contingency plans to use the bomb against Iranian military targets if directed by the president.

Actors

U.S. military planners President Donald Trump Pentagon White House spokesperson

Locations

Washington, D.C., United States Iran

Fact Check

How these metrics work
Verdict: Partially confirmed Confidence: 68% Claims: 2
At a glance

The claim that on October 16, 2026, President Donald Trump stated to Newsmax he has no plans to use nuclear weapons against Iran is partially confirmed. The claim that on the same date, President Donald Trump said he has no plans to deploy ground forces against Iran is also partially confirmed.

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This section contains an automated verification of claims against external sources and may contain inaccuracies.

Articles

October 16, 2026
1 total
Trump says he will not use nuclear weapons or ground troops in Iran
Trump says he will not use nuclear weapons or ground troops in Iran

CNBC • 16 Oct 07:56

President Donald Trump told Newsmax he has no plans to employ nuclear weapons or deploy ground forces against Iran, while commenting on the MOAB bomb.

Credibility 72% Manip. 9% Center
October 15, 2026
4 total
White House and Pentagon develop contingency plans for MOAB use against Iran
White House and Pentagon develop contingency plans for MOAB use against Iran

CBS News • 15 Oct 19:20

U.S. officials say the White House and Pentagon have drafted operational plans to employ a Massive Ordnance Air Blast bomb against Iranian military targets if directed by President Trump.

Credibility 72% Manip. 38% Center
US officials discuss possible MOAB deployment against Iranian sites
US officials discuss possible MOAB deployment against Iranian sites

Al Jazeera • 15 Oct 15:51

U.S. officials have outlined plans to use the GBU-43/B Massive Ordnance Air Blast bomb on Iran's energy and nuclear facilities, a move that experts say may have limited strategic value.

Credibility 72% Manip. 32% Center
U.S. military considers deploying massive bomb in potential Iran strikes
U.S. military considers deploying massive bomb in potential Iran strikes

CNBC • 15 Oct 10:44

U.S. officials are reviewing options that could involve the GBU-43/B Massive Ordnance Air Blast bomb for future operations against Iran, amid heightened regional tensions.

Credibility 66% Manip. 27% Center
U.S. Military Plans Include Possible MOAB Use Against Iranian Targets
U.S. Military Plans Include Possible MOAB Use Against Iranian Targets

CNN • 15 Oct 04:01

U.S. officials say the Pentagon has drafted strike options that could involve the GBU-43/B Massive Ordnance Air Blast bomb against Iranian energy and nuclear facilities, pending a decision from President Trump.

Credibility 52% Manip. 32% Center

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