US Examines New Strike Plan in Strait of Hormuz | Behind the Scenes
The goal of these strikes is to prevent Iran from restoring its radar and missile capabilities in the strait to ensure it cannot threaten vessels, according to US officials. The plan is supported by Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth but has not yet been approved by President Trump.
US President Donald Trump is examining a plan for limited strikes in the Strait of Hormuz. The objective is to prevent Iran from restoring radar and missile capabilities used to threaten vessels and oil tankers. The plan, formulated by US Central Command (CENTCOM), has received the support of Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth.
According to US officials, the idea behind the strike plan is to "mow the lawn" and reduce the risk of Iranian attacks against oil tankers, US Navy ships, and US Air Force aircraft. While the White House was initially inclined to reject the move to avoid escalation, the recent missile attack in Jordan may shift the administration's position.
Regional Context
Over the past two months, the US military has managed to gradually secure control over most of the Strait of Hormuz following a two-week air campaign targeting Iran's military capabilities, along with low-profile mine-clearing operations and the establishment of a task force to guide vessels. This has limited Iran's ability to strike tankers, increased traffic volume, and eroded Tehran's leverage over the vital waterway.
Behind the Scenes
Concern has grown within US Central Command regarding Iran's efforts to rebuild its radar, air defense, and anti-ship missile capabilities. One recent incident that caused alarm was the launch of an Iranian surface-to-air missile at a US F-35 fighter jet providing cover for vessels in the strait. Although the missile did not pose a direct threat, the launch was seen as a signal of Iran's intent to rebuild its military posture.
CENTCOM has made it clear to Hegseth, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff General Dan Kane, and the White House that maintaining the safe transit of oil tankers may require occasional strikes on Iranian military assets in the strait.
What to Watch
Secretary of Defense Hegseth submitted the plan to the White House several days ago. While the administration was previously hesitant, the Iranian ballistic missile attacks on US bases in Jordan on Sunday may convince President Trump to authorize the strikes. Trump told Fox News this morning that the US will respond to the attack and "hit them hard."
