The United States (US) is reportedly considering military options for a “final strike” against Iran, which could include the use of ground forces and a massive bombing campaign, two US officials and two sources with knowledge told Axios on Thursday.
The news came days after US President Donald Trump announced “very good” talks with Iran to end “hostile actions”. According to reports, Iran has also received a ceasefire proposal from the US via Pakistan.
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Tehran rejected the proposal and presented five demands. At the same time, there were claims that the Pentagon was planning to deploy soldiers from the 82nd Army Airborne Division in the Middle East.
Four main “Final Blow” options.
Now, in the latest interviews with Axios, officials and sources have described four major “final blows” for Trump to choose from. They are:
1. Invasion or blockade of Kharg Island, Iran’s main oil export center.
2. Invasion of Larak Island, which helps Iran consolidate control over the Strait of Hormuz. The strategic base hosts Iranian bunkers, attack vessels that can blow up cargo ships, and radars that monitor movements in the strait.
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3. The occupation of the strategic Abu Musa Island and two smaller islands that lie near the western entrance to the strait and are controlled by Iran but also claimed by the UAE.
4. Blocking or seizing ships that export Iranian oil on the eastern side of the Strait of Hormuz.
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According to the report, the US military has also prepared plans for ground operations deep inside Iran to secure highly enriched uranium buried in nuclear facilities.
Instead of carrying out such a complicated and risky operation, the US could instead carry out large-scale airstrikes on the facility to try to prevent Iran from accessing the material, the report said.
Trump is ready to escalate if…
Axios reported that Trump has not yet decided to pursue either scenario. White House officials also described any potential ground operations as “hypothetical.”
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But the sources said Trump was ready to escalate if the talks with Iran did not produce tangible results soon.
Trump could first carry out his threat to bomb power plants and energy facilities in Iran, for which Tehran has threatened massive retaliation across the Persian Gulf.
‘Ready to unleash hell’
White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt warned Iran on Wednesday that Trump was prepared to crack down “harder than ever” if a deal could not be reached.
“The president is not bluffing and he is ready to unleash hell. Iran should not recalculate … any violence beyond this point will be caused by the Iranian regime … refusing to make a deal,” Leavitt said.
What Iran said
Iran has denied participating in negotiations and talks with the US. Iranian officials told Axios they distrust Trump’s negotiating push and see it as a ruse to launch sneak attacks.
“…the problem is mistrust. IRGC commanders are very skeptical,” a source told Axios. “But the mediators did not give up,” they added.
Meanwhile, Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf wrote on X on Wednesday that Iranian intelligence services indicate that “the enemies of Iran, with the support of a country in the region, are preparing an operation to occupy one of Iran’s islands.”
Ghalibaf was probably alluding to the UAE and their claim on Abu Musa.
“All enemy movements are under the surveillance of our armed forces. If they take any action, all the vital infrastructure of this regional country will be targeted for merciless attacks without restriction,” he added.
