Illustrative image. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Maxwell Orlosky)
The United States military is developing new battle plans to target Iran’s capabilities in the Strait of Hormuz, CNN reported on April 24, citing sources familiar with the matter.
The report comes days after U.S. President Donald Trump announced that he had extended the two-week ceasefire with Iran at the request of Pakistani mediators, who said more time was needed for Iran to formulate a proposal to permanently end the war.
According to CNN, the Pentagon is reviewing several attack plans, including an option that would include strikes against Iranian targets around the Strait of Hormuz, the southern Arabian Gulf, and the Gulf of Oman.
Sources tell the news networks that the strikes would hit the assets that have helped Iran maintain its chokehold on the Strait of Hormuz, including the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps’ fleet of fast attack boats and vessels used for laying mines.
Trump appeared to hint at these plans on Thursday, declaring that the US Navy would “shoot and kill” any boat mining the Strait of Hormuz.
They typically carry mounted machine guns, and can be used for mining operations, though the US has yet to confirm that Iranian ships have been mining the Strait of Hormuz.
Another plan proposed by U.S. military officials is to target the Iranian military leaders believed to be blocking negotiations for a permanent end to the war.
CNN also reported that the U.S. could also resume launching strikes on Iran’s remaining military capabilities, including its missile stockpiles and launchers.
On the same day as the report, the U.S. military announced that a third aircraft carrier had arrived in the Middle East, the highest number of American carriers deployed to the region in more than 20 years.
Click to see full-size image. (U.S. Army)
U.S. Central Command said in a social media post that the third aircraft carrier, the USS George H.W. Bush had transited into its area of responsibility.
“For the first time in decades, three aircraft carriers are operating in the Middle East at the same time. Accompanied by their carrier air wings, the USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72), USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78) and USS George H.W. Bush (CVN 77) include over 200 aircraft and 15,000 Sailors and Marines,” the post reads.
The 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) is also present in the Middle East with three amphibious assault ships, including the aircraft-carrying USS Tripoli. The 11th MEU is expected to arrive in the region at any time aboard three more amphibious assault ships, including the aircraft-carrying USS Boxer.
This naval buildup in the region and CNN’s latest report indicate that the U.S. is very much preparing to resume the war on Iran, even with more power than before. Israel is likely as prepared, and in recent days its senior officials renewed threats to the Islamic Republic.
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