--- title: "Trump Rules Out Nuclear Weapons Against Iran, But Hints at Using a 'Very Big Bomb'" description: "In an interview with Newsmax, Trump rejected the idea of a nuclear strike on Iran but hinted at using a 'very big bomb.' CNN previously reported that the Pentagon is preparing a plan to use the MOAB." date: 2026-10-16T17:41:32.004Z lang: en url: https://xab.info/en/posts/trump-rules-out-nuclear-weapons-against-iran tags: [trump, iran, moab, pentagon, nuclear-weapons, middle-east, newsmax, cnn] author: "Alexander Buran" publisher: "XAB.info" --- # Trump Rules Out Nuclear Weapons Against Iran, But Hints at Using a 'Very Big Bomb' ![Donald Trump gesturing on the White House lawn with a helicopter in the background](https://xab.info/media/2026/10/16/tramp-otkaz-ot-yadernogo-oruzhiya-protiv-irana-ochen-bolshaya-bomba/tramp-otkaz-ot-yadernogo-oruzhiya-protiv-irana-ochen-bolshaya-bomba-1.webp) ## Key Points - Trump categorically ruled out the use of nuclear weapons against Iran - The US president hinted at using a 'very big bomb' that is not nuclear - CNN reported that the Pentagon developed a plan to use the MOAB against Iranian facilities - The strike plan is tied to Trump's potential order before or after the midterms In an interview with the Newsmax television channel, US President Donald Trump commented on media reports about potential strikes on Iran that have been widely discussed in the American press. The head of state categorically rejected the idea of using nuclear weapons against Tehran, but did not rule out the use of conventional weapons of immense power. According to him, Washington has 'plenty of other large strike assets that do not have a nuclear charge, but possess a high degree of destructiveness.' ### A 'Very Big Bomb' That 'Gives the Impression of a Small Nuclear One' Answering a question from the TV host about new strikes mentioned in the press in recent weeks, Trump provided a detailed explanation. 'We are not talking about a nuclear bomb at all. Just a very big bomb. It gives the impression of a small nuclear bomb, but it is not one,' the president stated. According to observers, this phrasing indirectly confirms the Pentagon's readiness to deploy the most powerful conventional air bombs in the US arsenal. ### Categorical Rejection of the Nuclear Scenario The US President explicitly stated: 'Personally, I would not use nuclear weapons. There is no need or necessity for us to do so.' This statement came against the backdrop of growing tension around Iran's nuclear program and reports that Washington is preparing new military operations in the Middle East. Thus, Trump drew a clear line between conventional and nuclear deterrents. ### The Pentagon Has Already Drawn Up a Plan: 'Mother of All Bombs' in the Crosshairs Earlier, CNN, citing official sources in the US government, reported that the Pentagon has prepared a detailed plan to strike Iran's energy infrastructure and nuclear facilities. According to sources, a key element of this plan could be the use of the GBU-43/B (Massive Ordnance Air Blast Bomb, MOAB) — the heaviest and most powerful non-nuclear air bomb in the American arsenal. This very 'mother of all bombs' was likely what Trump meant by a 'very big bomb.' ### Connection to Midterms and Regional Risks According to CNN, the plan to use the super-heavy bomb against underground and fortified Iranian facilities is intended in case President Trump orders the resumption of military operations before or after the congressional midterms. Although Trump's public statement ruling out nuclear weapons prevented a worst-case scenario in the region, the persistent probability of strikes using super-powerful conventional air bombs does not alleviate anxiety surrounding the Middle East. US regional allies and Iranian authorities continue to monitor the preparation of American forces for possible operations. ## Fact-Check & Sources - [США подготовили план применения «матери» всех бомб против Ирана – Zamin.uz, 16.10.2026](https://zamin.uz/ru/mir/224691-ssha-podgotovili-plan-primeneniya-materi-vsekh-bomb-protiv-irana.html) - The primary source contains Trump's quotes from the Newsmax interview and a retelling of CNN reports. Direct access to the original Newsmax interview and CNN publication was not carried out as part of this verification, so the quotes are accepted based on the retelling by zamin.uz. ## FAQ ### What exact words did Trump use about the bomb for Iran? Trump stated: 'We are not talking about a nuclear bomb at all. Just a very big bomb. It gives the impression of a small nuclear bomb, but it is not one.' ### What is the MOAB and why is it mentioned in the context of Iran? The MOAB (GBU-43/B Massive Ordnance Air Blast Bomb) is the heaviest non-nuclear air bomb in the US arsenal. According to CNN, the Pentagon included it in the strike plan against underground and fortified Iranian facilities. ### Under what condition might the Pentagon use the MOAB against Iran? According to CNN reports, the plan provides for using the bomb in case President Trump orders the resumption of military operations before or after the congressional midterms. ### Where did Trump make these statements? The statements were made in an interview with the Newsmax television channel.