Pentagon Prepares "Decisive Strike" Against Iran, Including Troop Landing
The Pentagon is preparing for a possible strong strike against Iran if diplomatic efforts to resolve the conflict fail, especially if the Strait of Hormuz is not unblocked. American military officials are developing several "decisive strike" scenarios, which include troop landings and massive bombings, two American officials and two other individuals familiar with the situation told Axios.
Illustrative photo. Photo: Majid Saeedi/Getty Images
According to sources, four main options for "decisive actions" are being developed:
- landing on Kharg Island, Iran's main oil export center, or its blockade;
- landing on Larak Island, important for controlling the Strait of Hormuz;
- capture of the strategic island of Abu Musa and two smaller islands at the western entrance to the strait;
- blocking or seizing ships carrying Iranian oil.
In addition, ground operations deep within Iranian territory are being considered to seize highly enriched uranium, or massive airstrikes on nuclear facilities to cut off Iran from these resources.
US President Donald Trump has not yet ordered the deployment of troops, partly because he wants to end the conflict quickly and fears casualties among American soldiers.
Iran also prepares for a possible landing of American troops on Kharg: multi-level defenses have been built on the island, additional forces are deployed, along with portable SAMs, anti-personnel and anti-tank mines along the coast.
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