Iran announces development of 'Father of all bombs' in response to US threats

On Wednesday, October 21, 2026, the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) announced that they are preparing to unveil a new weapon designated as the "Father of all bombs." Spokesman Hossein Mohebi, speaking to the Young Journalists Club, stated that this development is a strategic response to U.S. threats regarding the potential use of the American GBU-43/B bomb—the "Mother of all bombs"—against Iranian nuclear facilities.

While IRGC officials emphasized that this new armament represents a significant technological advancement intended to surprise adversaries, they have not provided technical specifications, precise blast yields, or a definitive date for the official presentation. Additionally, reports indicate that Iran claims to have increased its domestic missile arsenal by 50 percent during this period of heightened geopolitical tension.

This development follows recent remarks by U.S. President Donald Trump, who suggested the potential use of the 9,800-kilogram GBU-43/B conventional bomb if deemed necessary. As of now, the situation remains characterized by verbal escalation between Washington and Tehran, with both sides highlighting their respective military capabilities to deter the other.