MOP Not Enough

It seems that the Massive Ordnance Penetrator (MOP) is no longer enough. The Pentagon, despite seeking massive cuts elsewhere, has asked Congress for funding to build the "mother of all bombs" (MOAB). Pentagon experts state the need for one, by noting that certain countries have built bunkers housing nuclear facilities that the MOP may not be able to reach, and the MOAB could. Both the MOP and MOAB are attempts to avoid the use of nuclear weaponry.

Iran's Fordo facility for nuclear enrichment is built at least 200 feet below ground, and has been further strengthened with concrete and steel. Fordo is likely the foremost target in the mind of the military thinkers. A MOP likely would not be capable of destroying that site.

Tensions between Iran and the world have been at all time highs due to the continuation of Iran's nuclear program. While the US is joined by the EU, and most of the world, in placing sanctions against the belligerent country; Russia has stood by their ally vetoing any UN resolution that would place sanctions on Iran. Even China has cut down it's purchasing of Iranian oil, to put pressure on Iran's government, over the nuclear program. Iran's response to the sanctions has been to repeatedly threaten to close the Strait of Hormuz, the shipping lane for a fifth of the world's oil travels through. The US, France, and UK have all maintained and increased naval forces near the strait to ensure it stays open.