Pentagon Reportedly Preparing New Strike Options Amid Strait Of Hormuz Crisis
Washington: The United States is reportedly preparing contingency plans for renewed military action against Iran as diplomatic efforts remain stalled and tensions continue to rise in the Middle East.
According to reports emerging from Washington, senior US defence officials have discussed multiple military options in case negotiations with Tehran collapse completely. The developments come shortly after US President Donald Trump concluded his high-profile visit to China, where discussions reportedly included the ongoing Iran conflict and disruptions linked to the Strait of Hormuz.
Sources familiar with internal discussions indicated that the White House has not yet made a final decision on restarting military operations, which were paused following a ceasefire announced in April.
Trump Maintains Tough Position On Iran
Trump has continued to reject proposals from Iran aimed at easing tensions, insisting that any agreement must include strict guarantees preventing Tehran from developing nuclear weapons and restoring full access through the Strait of Hormuz.
While speaking aboard Air Force One during his return to Washington, Trump reiterated that the United States would not accept what he described as incomplete concessions from Iran.
The Strait of Hormuz remains one of the world’s most critical oil shipping routes, and ongoing instability in the region has raised concerns over global energy supplies and rising fuel prices.
Pentagon Reviewing Expanded Military Scenarios
Reports indicate that the Pentagon has been examining possible military responses if diplomacy fails to produce a breakthrough.
US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth recently acknowledged during congressional testimony that military escalation plans are in place if the situation worsens.
Officials familiar with the matter said American and Israeli security agencies are continuing strategic consultations amid concerns that tensions with Iran could intensify in the coming days.
Multiple Military Options Under Consideration
According to officials cited in international reports, one option under review involves launching intensified airstrikes against Iranian military and infrastructure targets.
Another scenario reportedly includes deploying Special Operations forces to secure sensitive underground nuclear-related facilities believed to be heavily protected beneath Iranian territory.
Military analysts, however, warn that such an operation would require substantial troop deployment and could risk prolonged confrontation with Iranian forces.
A separate proposal being discussed reportedly focuses on Iran’s Kharg Island, a major oil export terminal considered strategically important to Tehran’s economy. Experts believe any attempt to seize or control the island would significantly expand the scale of the conflict.
Political Pressure Mounts Ahead Of US Midterm Elections
The possibility of renewed military action comes at a politically sensitive moment for Trump ahead of upcoming midterm elections in the United States.
The conflict has increasingly become a subject of domestic debate as concerns grow over the economic impact of prolonged instability in the Middle East, including energy prices and military spending.
Several US allies are reportedly encouraging Washington to pursue a negotiated settlement that could help restore maritime trade routes and reduce geopolitical tensions in the region.
Despite the pressure, Trump has continued to signal that the United States is prepared to intensify action if negotiations fail to deliver results acceptable to Washington.
