💥 Scott Ritter: MOAB Is About Optics, Not Victory in IranA potential MOAB strike would be designed to create the appearance of success, not change the reality on the battlefield, offering Washington a political off-ramp from a war he says cannot be won.
In this latest Daniel Davis Deep Dive clip, Scott Ritter argues that the U.S. may be considering the use of the MOAB not because it can decisively destroy Iran’s deeply buried facilities, but because it can create a powerful visual spectacle. According to Ritter, the weapon’s previous use in Afghanistan demonstrated its public relations value far more than its military effectiveness. Ritter contends that Washington is seeking a highly visible action that can be presented as a decisive victory to the American public. He rejects the idea that a MOAB strike could eliminate Iran’s most hardened sites, claiming instead that it would serve as a political tool to help justify an exit from the conflict. “The Moab, I believe, is a crowd-pleasing political solution,” Ritter says, arguing that any strike would be designed to create “the perception of decisive military intervention” rather than produce a meaningful strategic outcome. His central takeaway is stark: a dramatic military spectacle may be used to shape public perception while leaving the underlying realities of the conflict largely unchanged. As Ritter puts it, “The reality of what’s happening on the ground is irrelevant.” You're currently a free subscriber to Daniel Davis Deep Dive. For the full experience, upgrade your subscription. © 2026 Daniel L. Davis |