US weighs GBU-43 'mother of all bombs' against Iran amid Fairford plot tensions

CNN's report that the US military is weighing use of the GBU-43 'mother of all bombs' in potential future strikes on Iran's nuclear and energy infrastructure has been widely picked up by international outlets, with some reports framing it as an option if fighting resumes. The reporting comes amid continued tensions over the alleged Iran-linked plot at RAF Fairford, which Britain blames on the IRGC and Iran denies as a 'false flag'.

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Claims

Timeline

  1. Reports widen: the GBU-43 option is said to target Iran's nuclear facilities and energy infrastructure as Trump faces pressure to end the war.
  2. CNN reports the US military is weighing use of the GBU-43 'mother of all bombs' in potential future strikes on Iran.
  3. Iran calls Britain's Fairford plot claim a 'false flag'.
  4. Iran denies it was behind the incident at the British base, challenging the UK government's narrative.
  5. UK Prime Minister Burnham tells parliament Iran is 'highly likely' behind the Fairford incident; Iran's ambassador is summoned.
  6. Police make a seventh arrest over the incident at the British airbase used by the US for strikes on Iran.
  7. NYT reports the withdrawal followed what US officials said were threats of an Iran-based plot against the base.
  8. Trump says Washington knows who was behind the threat that prompted the B-1 withdrawal.
  9. Vance suggests Iran may have been involved in the Fairford incident, seemingly contradicting Rubio.
  10. US withdraws at least 10 B-1 bombers from RAF Fairford after an investigation into an alleged planned terrorist attack on the base.

Sources