Kamal Ghorui
The United States is weighing what officials describe as a potential “final blow” against Iran, with plans under discussion ranging from a sweeping bombing campaign to risky ground operations deep inside the country, according to an Axios report citing multiple sources familiar.The proposals come as President Donald Trump ramps up pressure on Tehran amid a widening Middle East war and stalled diplomatic efforts. The Pentagon’s planning reflects growing frustration in Washington, where officials believe a decisive show of force could either compel Iran to negotiate or “simply give Trump something to point to and declare victory”, the report said.Iran claims strike on Israel’s nuclear infra — Follow live updatesAt the centre of the strategy are several high-impact targets tied to Iran’s control over the Strait of Hormuz, a critical artery for global oil shipments that Tehran has effectively choked in recent weeks. Among the options being considered are seizing or blockading Kharg Island, Iran’s primary oil export hub, and capturing key islands such as Larak and Abu Musa, which are vital to Iran’s military grip over the strait. Another scenario involves intercepting or halting Iranian oil shipments altogether on the eastern side of the waterway.US military planners have reportedly drawn up options for ground incursions aimed at securing highly enriched uranium stored in fortified nuclear facilities. Such operations would be complex and dangerous, raising the risk of a prolonged conflict. As an alternative, officials are also considering large-scale air strikes designed to destroy those facilities outright and deny Iran access to nuclear material.Despite the detailed planning, no final decision has been taken. White House officials have described ground operations as hypothetical, though sources say Trump is prepared to escalate quickly if ongoing backchannel efforts fail to produce results. Press secretary Karoline Leavitt warned that the president is ready to strike “harder than ever before”, adding that “any violence beyond this point will be because the Iranian regime… refuses to come to a deal”.The military build-up is already underway. Additional fighter jet squadrons, Marine expeditionary units and thousands of troops — including elements of the 82nd Airborne Division are being deployed to the region, signalling that Washington is positioning itself for rapid escalation.Iran, however, has dismissed US overtures, with officials insisting they do not trust Washington’s negotiating push. Parliamentary speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf warned that any attempt to seize Iranian territory would trigger sweeping retaliation against regional infrastructure.The standoff leaves both sides entrenched. While the US seeks a decisive end to hostilities and the reopening of the Hormuz shipping lane, Iran appears willing to endure sustained pressure, calculating that its ability to disrupt global energy flows remains a powerful lever. With mediation efforts by countries including Pakistan, Turkey and Egypt still struggling to bring both sides to the table, the prospect of a dramatic military escalation is becoming increasingly real.
