The Pentagon is preparing military options for a “final blow” on Iran, which may include ground forces and a massive bombing campaign, Axios reported, citing two U.S. officials and two sources familiar with the matter.
This is considered a significant step, as military escalation is expected to increase if no progress is made in negotiations between the United States and Iran—especially if the Strait of Hormuz remains closed. Several U.S. officials believe that an overwhelming show of force to end the fighting would create more leverage in potential negotiations.
Officials and sources familiar with internal discussions in Washington describe four main “final strike” options from which Trump could choose:
- Invading or blockading Kharg Island, Iran’s main oil export hub.
- Invading Larak Island, which helps Tehran establish control over the Strait of Hormuz and contains Iranian bunkers, attack systems capable of destroying cargo ships, and radar systems monitoring movement in the strait.
- Capturing the strategic Abu Musa Island and two smaller islands near the western entrance to the strait
- Blocking or seizing ships exporting Iranian oil on the eastern side of the strait.
The report added that the Pentagon is also considering sending in ground forces to seize Iran’s enriched uranium. Another plan under consideration is carrying out massive airstrikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities, preventing Iran from accessing the uranium.
(YWN Israel Desk—Jerusalem)
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5 Responses
regime change would make all this moot. focus on that.
But wait, president bone spurs said we almost have a deal! Just like, we almost have a great health insurance plan, we almost have $2 gas, we almost have the hottest economy.
Take out their mosques, utility and telecom grids. Their oil fields and and docks. Mine the straight of Hormuz. Then any tankers originating in Iran sailing in the open seas- either sink or capture. The end.
Its not at all clear what taking control of those islands would accomplish when Iran threatened to mine the entire Persian Gulf if they do that. Instead Trump’s initial idea that the US doesn’t need anything that goes through the Strait so its not the problem of the US is a much better approach. Just because Iran closed the Strait in response to the attacks by the US in violation of international law doesn’t make the US responsible in any way to get it opened. The US should make this a problem between Iran and the countries in Asia who are the ones who depend on the Strait, along with the Gulf states who want to sell their gas and oil.
You need to stop tippy toeing bombing like Israelis did in Gaza. You need to carpet bomb the entire area of the golf of Hormuz. It’s simple. Bombing near empty buildings is cowardly. You need to wipe out their army of one million. Otherwise it’s a waste.