TRUMP WEIGHS MOTHER OF ALL BOMB STRIKE ON IRAN NUCLEAR AND ENERGY SITES : WHAT IS IT ?

What happened: CNN reports Trump is weighing use of the GBU-43/B Massive Ordnance Air Blast bomb, the MOAB, against Iranian nuclear and energy sites, including Pickaxe Mountain. Key numbers: MOAB weighs about 21,600 pounds (9,800 kg). Blast reach covers roughly nine city blocks. First combat use was April 2017 in Afghanistan; Afghan officials said it killed 36 ISIS fighters. Why it matters: Officials and analysts question whether the air-blast weapon can penetrate deeply enough to destroy fortified underground nuclear sites, so its use may be more symbolic than decisive. Coverage: 6 outlets in 24h

CNN reports Trump is weighing use of the GBU-43/B Massive Ordnance Air Blast bomb, the MOAB, against Iranian nuclear and energy sites, including Pickaxe Mountain.

Officials and analysts question whether the air-blast weapon can penetrate deeply enough to destroy fortified underground nuclear sites, so its use may be more symbolic than decisive.