The Pentagon is developing advanced military options, including ground force deployments and widespread bombing campaigns, to deliver a "final blow" in the ongoing conflict with Iran, according to U.S. officials and sources familiar with the matter.
A dramatic escalation in military action is increasingly likely if diplomatic negotiations stall, particularly if the Strait of Hormuz remains closed. Several U.S. officials argue that a crushing display of military might would either compel Tehran to concede during peace talks or allow President Donald Trump to definitively declare victory.
However, experts warn that Iran retains significant influence over how the conflict concludes, and many of the proposed scenarios could inadvertently prolong and intensify the fighting rather than ending it decisively.
Internal discussions have highlighted four primary military options under consideration by the Trump administration. These include invading or blockading Kharg Island, Iran's central oil export hub, and seizing Larak Island, a strategic outpost housing Iranian bunkers, attack craft, and radar systems used to monitor the Strait of Hormuz.
Two additional options involve capturing Abu Musa and two smaller islands near the strait's western entrance—territories controlled by Iran but claimed by the United Arab Emirates—or blocking and seizing vessels exporting Iranian oil east of the strait.
Furthermore, the U.S. military has drafted contingency plans for deep ground incursions into Iranian territory to secure highly enriched uranium stored in underground nuclear facilities. Alternatively, the U.S. could execute large-scale airstrikes to permanently deny Iran access to the material without risking a complex ground operation.
White House officials emphasize that Trump has not yet authorized any of these measures, categorizing potential ground operations as strictly "hypothetical." Nevertheless, sources indicate the president is prepared to escalate if negotiations fail to produce rapid, tangible results. Trump's initial escalatory step could involve bombing Iranian power plants and energy infrastructure, a threat that has already prompted Tehran to warn of massive regional retaliation.
"The President doesn't bluff and he is ready to unleash hell," White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt stated on Wednesday. "Iran shouldn't miscalculate again... any violence beyond this point will be because the Iranian regime... refuses to come to a deal."
In preparation, the U.S. is heavily reinforcing its Middle Eastern posture. Several fighter jet squadrons and thousands of troops are scheduled to arrive in the coming days and weeks. One Marine expeditionary unit is expected this week, with another preparing to deploy. Additionally, the 82nd Airborne Division's command element has been ordered to deploy alongside a multi-thousand-troop infantry brigade.
Iranian leadership remains deeply skeptical of U.S. diplomatic overtures, viewing them as a potential ruse for sudden military strikes. Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, Iran's parliamentary speaker, claimed Wednesday that Iranian intelligence indicates adversaries are preparing to occupy an Iranian island with regional backing—a likely reference to the UAE's claims over Abu Musa.
"All enemy movements are under the surveillance of our armed forces," Ghalibaf stated. "If they take any action, all the vital infrastructure of that regional country will be targeted without limitation by relentless attacks."
Despite the soaring tensions, diplomatic channels remain open. Mediators from Pakistan, Egypt, and Turkey are actively working to facilitate direct talks between the U.S. and Iran. While Tehran rejected Washington's initial list of demands, it has not entirely dismissed the prospect of negotiations. However, profound mistrust, particularly among Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) commanders, continues to hinder progress.