The U.S. Department of Defense (Pentagon) is developing military options for a "knockout blow" against Iran, which could include ground forces and a massive bombing campaign, Axios reported, citing U.S. officials and informed sources.
اضافة اعلان
According to the report, a major military escalation becomes increasingly likely if no diplomatic progress is made, especially if the Strait of Hormuz remains closed. Some U.S. officials believe an "overwhelming show of force" would grant Washington greater leverage in peace negotiations or allow President Donald Trump to declare victory.
Strategic Targets and Territorial Options
The report highlighted several scenarios that could prolong or escalate the conflict. Proposed options include:
Kharg Island: A potential invasion or blockade of Iran’s primary oil export hub.
Larak Island: A strategic point for controlling the Strait of Hormuz, housing fortifications and offensive platforms.
Abu Musa and the Lesser/Greater Tunbs: Seizing these Iranian-controlled islands, which are also claimed by the UAE.
Maritime Interdiction: Intercepting or seizing Iranian oil tankers on the eastern side of the Strait.
Nuclear Facilities and Ground Operations
The U.S. military has drafted plans for deep-penetration ground operations inside Iran to secure highly enriched uranium within nuclear facilities. Alternatively, the U.S. may resort to extensive airstrikes on these sites to prevent Iran from accessing nuclear materials.
White House officials described any potential ground operations as "hypothetical" for now, noting that President Trump "has not yet made a decision." However, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt warned that the President is prepared to "unleash hell" if talks do not yield concrete results soon.
Military Reinforcements
On the ground, additional reinforcements are expected to arrive in the Middle East in the coming weeks, including:
Multiple fighter jet squadrons and thousands of troops.
A Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) arriving this week, with another deploying soon.
The 82nd Airborne Division headquarters, deploying alongside an infantry brigade of several thousand soldiers.
Iranian Response and Distrust
Iranian officials expressed deep skepticism toward Trump’s negotiation efforts, viewing them as a "deception" ahead of a surprise attack. Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf wrote that Iranian intelligence indicates "enemies of Iran, supported by a regional state, are preparing to occupy an Iranian island." He threatened that any such move would result in unrestricted strikes against that state’s critical infrastructure.
The Diplomatic Track
Despite the tension, mediators from Pakistan, Egypt, and Turkey are still attempting to organize a meeting between the two sides. Sources involved in the efforts indicate that while Iran rejected the initial list of U.S. demands, it has not entirely ruled out negotiations, even amid profound distrust—particularly within the IRGC leadership.
Source: Al-Mamlaka
