Donald Trump has ruled out using a nuclear weapon against Iran for the first time, but has not denied plans to use the 'mother of all bombs' (MOAB), a massive non-nuclear bomb, on Iranian nuclear sites. The comments come amid speculation of a new phase in the US–Israel war on Iran.
01Summary
- 01Trump told Newsmax on 16 Oct 2026 that he 'wouldn't use nuclear' against Iran, but declined to rule out using the GBU-43/B MOAB.
- 02The MOAB carries 8,500 kg of high explosives and can devastate a 1 km radius, but may be ineffective against deeply buried Iranian nuclear facilities at Pickaxe Mountain.
- 03Trump suggested renewed attacks are likely after the US midterm elections on 3 November, arguing the US must prevent Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon.
- 04Trump reiterated he would not put 'troops on the ground' in Iran, a reversal from earlier comments during the conflict.
- 05Tactical nuclear weapons (TNWs), which Trump ruled out, have yields similar to the Hiroshima bomb (15 kilotons) and are not regulated by international treaties.
02Why it matters
This matters because it signals the potential use of the US's most powerful non-nuclear bomb on Iran, which could escalate regional conflict and affect global oil prices, while Trump's refusal to rule out the MOAB leaves open the possibility of a severe military strike.
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