The U.S. Pentagon is weighing options for a potential “final blow” against Iran, including ground operations and a massive bombing campaign, according to a report Thursday.
Among the options under consideration are seizing or blockading key Iranian positions, including Kharg Island, the country’s main oil export hub.
The options also include seizing the strategic islands of Abu Musa and Larak near the Strait of Hormuz.
Axios reported, citing U.S. officials and sources familiar with internal deliberations, that other scenarios included targeting Iranian oil shipments or conducting large-scale strikes on nuclear facilities.
The report said President Donald Trump had not yet made a decision but was prepared to escalate if diplomatic efforts failed to produce results.
The report comes as the U.S. reportedly sent Iran a 15-point plan to end the war, delivered via Pakistan, outlining steps on Tehran’s nuclear and ballistic missile programmes, as well as maritime security in the Strait of Hormuz.
Iran rejected the U.S. proposal, saying any ceasefire would take place only on Tehran’s terms and timeline.
It also outlined five conditions for ending the war, including a halt to “aggression and assassinations.”
The U.S. and Israel have been carrying out airstrikes on Iran since Feb. 28, killing more than 1,340 people to date.
Iran has retaliated with drone and missile strikes targeting Israel, along with Jordan, Iraq and Gulf countries hosting U.S. military assets.
This has caused casualties and damage to infrastructure, while disrupting global markets and aviation.(NAN/AA)(nannews.ng)
Edited by Mark Longyen
