The Department of War is preparing four options for President Donald Trump to escalate the war against Iran. The Pentagon hopes that if Trump selects one of the options, it will force Tehran to comply with Washington’s demands.
Two US officials confirmed to Axios that the Pentagon was developing plans for a “final blow” against Iran. The options for Trump will include an invasion or blockading the island that serves as Tehran’s main oil export hub, invading an Iranian island in the Strait of Hormuz, seizing islands that are controlled by Iran but claimed by the UAE, and blocking or seizing vessels carrying Iranian oil.
Three of the four options will require a ground invasion of Iran. Tehran has said that it is prepared for a US invasion and believes the American troops will create more targets for Iranian missiles and drones.
A White House official told the outlet that Trump has not made a final decision.
President Trump may be unwilling to target Iranian oil tankers, as it will increase the price of oil. Since the start of the war, the US has lifted sanctions on some Iranian oil tankers to increase global supply and prevent prices from spiking.
The Department of War appears to be preparing for ground operations in Iran. The Pentagon has ordered two Marine Expeditionary Units and a unit from the 82nd Airborne Division to the Middle East.
On Wednesday, Iran said that it will respond to a ground invasion by asking Ansar Allah in Yemen to close the Bab el-Mandeb Strait. Ansar Allah previously closed the shipping lane that controls one end of the Red Sea to US and Israeli-linked shipping in response to the genocide in Gaza.
The US officials speaking with Axios added that the Department of War has also drafted plans for a ground operation inside Iran to seize Tehran’s stockpile of 60% enriched uranium.
