President Donald Trump is considering expanding the US military operation in Iran, according to two people familiar with the matter. This comes after a Situation Room meeting on Tuesday, where officials discussed ways to intensify efforts to loosen Iran’s grip on the Strait of Hormuz.
Background
Over the past five days, the US has carried out daily strikes on Iranian positions along the Strait of Hormuz, including a strike on Greater Tunb Island. These strikes aim to degrade Iran’s ability to prevent commercial vessels from transiting the waterway.
Trump has publicly stated his intention to strike Iran harder, including threats on civilian infrastructure and potentially energy targets. Behind the scenes, he has been discussing various scenarios for future military action with senior officials, hoping to identify ways to pressure Iran into submitting to US demands.
Possible Targets
According to the two officials, Trump is now weighing an operation to take Kharg Island, a critical Iranian export hub, and to bomb underground complexes at Pickaxe Mountain, believed to be connected to Iran’s nuclear program.
Trump affirmed his interest in both targets during interviews this week, though he suggested a ground operation to take Kharg may fall to another country. ‘We have other people that will do the ground campaign for us,’ he said on Fox News, without explaining further.
Original reporting: KTVZ (Central Oregon) — read the source article.
