The Pentagon is preparing what its called a “final blow” should diplomatic talks with Iranian officials fail. The Department of War, headed by Pete Hegseth, has said it is developing a plan that will likely include a massive bombing campaign and military ground forces.
In interviews with Axios, ruling class officials and sources familiar with the internal discussions describe four major “final blow” options Trump could choose from:
- Invading or blockading Kharg Island, Iran’s main oil export hub.
- Invading Larak, an island that helps Iran solidify its control of the Strait of Hormuz. The strategic outpost hosts Iranian bunkers, attack craft that can blow up cargo ships, and radars that monitor movements in the strait.
- Seizing the strategic island of Abu Musa and two smaller islands, which lie near the western entrance to the strait and are controlled by Iran but also claimed by the UAE.
- Blocking or seizing ships that are exporting Iranian oil on the eastern side of the Hormuz Strait.
These may not be the “final blow” either, as Iran doesn’t seem like it wants to roll over in the war, previously saying that it will end on Iran’s terms, when they decide to end it.
The ruling class, including President Donald Trump, has not committed to any of these plans just yet, however. All of these operations are being described by the White House as “hypothetical.” Sources have confirmed that the rulers are ready to go forward with one or some of these options should the talks fail to “yield tangible results.” There was no comment on what the U.S. is expecting from Iran in the discussions, but we can assume one line will be Iran’s cessation of enriching uranium.
“The President doesn’t bluff, and he is ready to unleash hell. Iran shouldn’t miscalculate again… any violence beyond this point will be because the Iranian regime… refuses to come to a deal,” White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said.