The United States is developing new attack plans targeting Iranian military capabilities in the Strait of Hormuz, according to information from CNN citing multiple sources close to the issue. These preparations come a few days after US President Donald Trump announced an extension of the ceasefire with Iran, granted at the request of Pakistani mediators who sought more time to allow Tehran to formulate a lasting peace proposal with Washington and Israel.
The Pentagon is reportedly considering several scenarios, including strikes against Iranian targets around the Strait of Hormuz, in the southern Persian Gulf, and in the Gulf of Oman. The mentioned plans would target military assets that enable Iran to threaten maritime traffic in this strategic area, especially the fleet of fast boats of the Revolutionary Guards and ships that could be used to plant mines.
Donald Trump hinted at this possibility on Thursday, stating that the US Navy would “shoot and destroy” any boat involved in mining the Strait of Hormuz. The report suggests that the Revolutionary Guards’ fast boats have largely evaded American and Israeli bombardments, which have significantly weakened the conventional Iranian navy. These light vessels, often armed with machine guns, are regularly presented as a key element of Tehran’s asymmetric naval strategy.
According to CNN, another option being considered by American military officials is to target Iranian military leaders seen by Washington as opposed to an agreement to permanently end the conflict. The US could also resume strikes against Iran’s remaining military capabilities, including its missile stocks and launchers.
Donald Trump has also attributed the current deadlock in discussions to internal divisions within the Iranian government. In a post on Truth Social, he claimed that Iran is struggling to determine its leader, highlighting struggles between weakened “hard-liners” on the battlefield and “moderates” whom he deems not very moderate. He described the situation as “crazy.”
