Axios reports Pentagon plans range from seizing strategic islands to deep strikes on nuclear sites

The Pentagon is developing a range of military options for a potential “final blow” against Iran, according to a report published Thursday by Axios, as U.S. officials warn escalation could follow if diplomatic efforts collapse. The plans include both ground operations and a massive bombing campaign aimed at forcing a decisive end to the war.

Officials outlined four primary scenarios under consideration. These include seizing or blockading Kharg Island, Iran’s main oil export hub, targeting Larak Island, which helps control the Strait of Hormuz, capturing the disputed Abu Musa island and nearby territory, or intercepting Iranian oil shipments in the region.

More aggressive options include ground operations deep inside Iran to secure highly enriched uranium stored at nuclear facilities. However, officials say a large-scale airstrike campaign could be used instead to neutralize those sites without committing troops. Officials described the scenarios as hypothetical.

Still, the administration signaled readiness to escalate. “The President doesn’t bluff and he is ready. 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 Wednesday. Reinforcements, including fighter jets and thousands of troops, are also being deployed to the region.

Iranian officials have responded with warnings of their own. Speaker of parliament Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf said “Iran’s enemies, with the support of a country in the region, are preparing an operation to occupy one of Iran’s islands,” adding that any such move would trigger “relentless attacks” on regional infrastructure.