US President Donald Trump has ruled out using nuclear weapons against Iran but has indicated that Washington could launch another major strike against Iranian nuclear facilities.

In an interview with Newsmax, Trump said the United States could target Iranian nuclear sites again, specifically mentioning Pickaxe Mountain, where a heavily fortified facility linked to Iran's nuclear programme is believed to be located deep underground.

“I wouldn’t use nuclear. We don’t have to. We’re the greatest nuclear power in the world,” Trump said.

While ruling out a nuclear strike, Trump did not dismiss reports that his administration is considering the use of the GBU-43/B Massive Ordnance Air Blast, commonly known as the MOAB or ‘Mother of All Bombs’.

Trump stressed that the MOAB is not a nuclear weapon. He also did not say whether he had authorised its use against Iran.

What Did Trump Say?

Trump said the United States wants to ensure that Iran cannot develop a nuclear weapon. He argued that another strike could therefore be necessary against deeply buried nuclear facilities.

Reuters reported that Trump described Pickaxe Mountain as a fortified underground site connected to Iran's nuclear programme. However, he did not confirm that the MOAB had been authorised for use.

Trump also said he was not considering sending US ground troops into Iran, while maintaining that Washington could still take military action against Iranian nuclear facilities.

What Is the ‘Mother of All Bombs’?

The GBU-43/B Massive Ordnance Air Blast, or MOAB, is one of the largest conventional bombs in the US arsenal.

It carries around 8,500kg of high explosives and weighs roughly 9,800kg. More than nine metres long, the weapon is too large for conventional fighter aircraft and requires a larger transport aircraft for deployment.

The MOAB is designed to create a massive blast over the surface. Experts say it can cause devastating damage to exposed personnel, equipment and vulnerable structures.

However, questions remain over how effective such a weapon would be against nuclear facilities buried deep underground beneath mountains.

MOAB vs Nuclear Weapons

The MOAB is a conventional explosive weapon, not a nuclear bomb. Unlike nuclear weapons, it does not rely on a nuclear reaction and does not produce the same type of nuclear fallout.

That does not mean it is harmless. Its enormous explosive payload can cause extensive destruction over a wide area.

Trump's latest comments therefore draw a clear distinction between a conventional high-yield weapon such as the MOAB and nuclear weapons.

Why Is Pickaxe Mountain Important?

Pickaxe Mountain has emerged as a key point in discussions about Iran's deeply buried nuclear infrastructure.

Trump suggested that the United States may need to target the location because Iran's nuclear facilities are believed to be protected deep beneath large amounts of rock.

But destroying a deeply buried and fortified facility is a major military challenge. Whether a massive surface explosion would be sufficient to eliminate such a target remains uncertain.

What Has Trump Said Before?

Trump has repeatedly issued strong warnings against Iran throughout the conflict, including threats against Iranian infrastructure.

However, his latest comments mark his clearest public statement yet ruling out the use of nuclear weapons against Iran. At the same time, he has kept the possibility of another conventional military strike open.

What Could Happen Next?

The possibility of another US strike against Iran's nuclear and military infrastructure remains a major focus of attention.

Trump has ruled out using nuclear weapons but has not ruled out the use of the MOAB or another large conventional weapon. He has also publicly identified Pickaxe Mountain as a potential target.

There is, however, no confirmed public evidence that Trump has authorised the use of the MOAB against Iran. His comments indicate that the option remains under consideration rather than confirming that an attack has been ordered.

For now, the key message from Trump's latest remarks is clear: he has ruled out a nuclear attack on Iran, but he has left the door open to a major conventional strike against the country's nuclear infrastructure, potentially involving the MOAB.