The U.S. may strike Iran as early as this week — NYT
According to The New York Times, U.S. President Donald Trump is considering resuming military strikes against Iran upon his return from China if diplomatic talks reach an impasse. Advisers have prepared detailed plans for a potential operation, which may be given a new name and expanded in scope. The ceasefire is effectively “hanging by a thread,” and a decision could be made in the coming days.
According to the publication, Trump has not yet made a final decision. Officials from the countries involved are trying to find a compromise that would prompt Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz and allow Trump to declare victory.
However, immediately after departing Beijing, he told reporters aboard Air Force One that Iran’s latest peace proposal was unacceptable.
“I looked at it, and if I don’t like the first sentence—I just throw it out,” he said.
Trump also noted that he had discussed the Iran issue with Chinese President Xi Jinping, a strategic partner of Tehran that relies on oil and gas from the strait. However, he said he did not ask Xi to pressure Iran.
Pentagon Plans
Operation "Epic Rage," suspended after the ceasefire was announced, may resume in the coming days—possibly under a new name. "We have an escalation plan if necessary," Defense Secretary Pete Hagset said during testimony before Congress.
According to him, there is also an alternative plan—to return more than 50,000 troops to their standard deployment locations.
Two Middle Eastern officials, who requested anonymity, told the NYT that the U.S. and Israel are conducting their most intensive preparations since the ceasefire—in anticipation of a possible resumption of strikes as early as this week.
Among the options being considered:
More aggressive airstrikes on Iranian military and infrastructure targets
A special operation to seize nuclear materials at a facility in Isfahan—several hundred special forces troops are already in the region, but such a mission would require thousands of troops for cover and carries a significant risk of casualties
The capture of Kharq Island—a key hub for Iranian oil exports
Currently, approximately 5,000 marines and 2,000 paratroopers from the 82nd Airborne Division are deployed in the region.
Tehran is preparing
Despite a month-long ceasefire, Iran has restored access to 30 of 33 missile launch sites along the Strait of Hormuz. Most of the damaged facilities have been repaired. Iranian officials have already stated that they are preparing to resume hostilities.
Recall that Operation “Epic Fury” exposed the weakness of Iran’s air force.
Also, in the Kuwait incident, an F/A-18 shot down three American F-15s.
The nuclear-powered USS George H.W. Bush is preparing to deploy to the Middle East.
Also, to avoid attacks by Iran, ships are changing their GPS coordinates and posing as Chinese vessels.
Israel launched a massive attack on Iran; fighter jets dropped over 230 bombs overnight.
Iran has promised to stop striking its neighbors on one condition.
