U.S. President Donald Trump is reportedly reviewing military response scenarios as cease-fire talks with Iran show no progress.
Axios reported on the 26th, citing a U.S. official and two sources familiar with the matter, that President Trump is in a position to choose among four "final blow" options.
The four options reportedly include: ▲ invading or blockading Kharg Island, where Iran's largest oil export terminal is located ▲ invading Larak Island to strengthen control of the Strait of Hormuz ▲ occupying Abu Musa Island, the western entrance to the Strait of Hormuz, and nearby islets ▲ blocking or seizing tankers exporting Iranian crude.
The U.S. military is also said to be considering a ground operation to penetrate deep into Iran's interior and secure highly enriched uranium (HEU) hidden at nuclear facilities. However, considering potential casualties from deploying ground troops, an alternative to neutralize those facilities with large-scale airstrikes is also reportedly being prepared.
President Trump has not yet decided which choice to make among these. White House officials in particular showed caution about the option of deploying ground troops, calling it a "hypothetical scenario."
However, Axios said the mood within the U.S. government is that it is prepared to raise the level of military pressure if talks with Iran do not yield early results.
Trump already warned on the 21st that if Iran did not lift its blockade of the Strait of Hormuz within 48 hours, he would strike Iran's energy infrastructure. On the 23rd, he deferred the strike plan for five days, saying he would decide on military action depending on the outcome of the talks.
As controversy continues over the substance of the talks, signs are also emerging of a U.S. military buildup. Russia's RIA Novosti reported that a U.S. Air Force C-17A Globemaster III transport aircraft conducted what appeared to be maneuver training for ground operations in United Arab Emirates (UAE) airspace that day.
Earlier, the New York Times (NYT) reported on the 24th that about 2,000 troops from the U.S. Army 82nd Airborne Division had been ordered to deploy to the Middle East, and, separately, about 5,000 U.S. Marines were also moving to the region.
These moves are being interpreted both as intense pressure to increase negotiating leverage and as advance preparations for immediate military action in the event the talks collapse.