U.S. military considers deploying massive bomb in potential Iran strikes

U.S. military planners have drafted contingency plans that include the possible use of the GBU-43/B Massive Ordnance Air Blast bomb, a 21,600-pound weapon designed for wide-area surface attacks. The bomb, previously employed in Afghanistan in 2017, has not been used in prior strikes inside Iran, according to multiple officials familiar with the plans.

The proposals come as Tehran has pledged to continue pursuing its demands, and regional tensions have risen following the sinking of a container vessel in the Strait of Hormuz and recent attacks on Saudi Arabia attributed to Iran-backed Houthi forces.

President Donald Trump indicated last week that he would not order a renewal of military strikes before the upcoming midterm elections on November 3. The White House faces pressure to demonstrate progress on its Middle East objectives ahead of the vote, while domestic concerns over rising energy costs persist.

CNBC has not independently verified the report and has sought comment from the Defense Department.