Middle East War: Pentagon Preparing for 'Final Strike' on Iran

2026-03-26 15:45:19Kosova&Bota SHKRUAR NGA REDAKSIA VOX

Middle East War: Pentagon Preparing for 'Final Strike' on Iran

The Pentagon is developing military options for a "final strike" on Iran, which could include the use of ground forces and a major bombing campaign, according to two US officials and sources familiar with the matter, who spoke to Axios.

This plan aims to intensify pressure on Tehran, especially if the Strait of Hormuz remains closed, increasing the risk of a broad military escalation.

US sources identify four main possible options for the final strike: the occupation or blockade of Kharg Island, the main hub of Iranian oil exports; the occupation of Larak Island, which consolidates Iran's control over the Strait of Hormuz and houses bunkers and attack vessels; the occupation of Abu Musa Island and two small surrounding islands, controlled by Iran but claimed by the United Arab Emirates; and the blockade or seizure of ships exporting Iranian oil from the eastern side of the Strait.

In addition, the Pentagon has been presented with scenarios for ground operations inside Iran to secure enriched uranium from nuclear facilities. The alternative is to launch massive air strikes on these facilities to prevent Iran from using nuclear material.

However, White House officials describe any ground operation as "hypothetical", while President Donald Trump is said to be ready to intensify action if negotiations fail to yield concrete results.

White House Press Secretary Caroline Leavitt warned Iran that Trump is ready to strike "harder than ever before" if a deal is not reached.

"The president doesn't talk about threats, he's ready to unleash hell. Iran must not make the same mistake again... any further violence will occur because the Iranian regime refuses to make a deal," Leavitt said.

US forces are being sent to the region to reinforce the presence: a Marine unit will arrive this week, another is being deployed, and the command of the 82nd Airborne Division has been ordered to deploy along with an infantry brigade of several thousand troops.

Iran, on the other hand, has expressed distrust of these moves and sees them as a cover for covert attacks. The speaker of the Iranian Parliament, Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, warned that Iranian intelligence suggests that “Iran’s enemies, with the support of a regional country, are preparing an operation to occupy one of the Iranian islands,” referring to the United Arab Emirates and its claim on Abu Musa.

He added that any hostile movement would be met with unrestrained resistance by Iranian forces.

Meanwhile, several other countries, including Pakistan, Egypt and Turkey, are trying to organize a meeting between the US and Iran to reach a negotiation.

However, skepticism among commanders of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) remains high, making any potential deal uncertain.


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