A report by CNN states that US military officials are currently developing new operational plans targeting Iranian capabilities around the Strait of Hormuz, should the existing ceasefire with Iran collapse.
Citing multiple informed sources, the report indicates that proposed options include precision strikes focused on what is described as “dynamic targeting” of Iran’s assets across the Strait of Hormuz, the southern Arabian Gulf, and the Gulf of Oman.
These plans reportedly prioritise Iran’s asymmetric naval capabilities, including fast attack boats, mine laying vessels, and other assets that have enabled Tehran to effectively disrupt critical maritime routes and leverage them as pressure tools against the United States.
Strategic Waterway at the Centre of Escalation
The closure of the Strait has already generated significant global economic consequences, threatening US President Donald Trump’s efforts to stabilise inflation. This pressure persists despite the ceasefire, which halted US strikes beginning on 7 April.
While earlier US military operations targeted Iranian naval forces, much of the initial campaign focused on inland targets, allowing strikes deep داخل Iranian territory. Current planning reflects a shift towards a concentrated military campaign around strategic maritime corridors.
However, sources stress that strikes alone may not immediately reopen the waterway. A senior source familiar with military planning stated that unless the United States can fully neutralise Iran’s capabilities or guarantee maritime security, the outcome will ultimately depend on Trump’s willingness to assume operational risk and push vessels through the Strait.
Expanded Targeting: Infrastructure and Leadership
Sources indicate that Washington is also considering broader escalation options, including strikes on dual use infrastructure and critical facilities such as energy sites. This approach aims to pressure Iran into returning to negotiations, though US officials have warned it would represent a highly sensitive escalation.
Another option under review involves targeting senior Iranian military figures described as obstructing diplomatic efforts. Among those mentioned is Ahmad Vahidi, identified as a key figure within the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.
In response to these reports, a Pentagon official stated that due to operational security, the Department of Defense does not comment on future or hypothetical actions, while confirming that all options remain available to the president.
Remaining Iranian Capabilities
According to US intelligence assessments previously reported by CNN, nearly half of Iran’s missile launch platforms and thousands of attack drones survived the initial wave of US Israeli strikes.
US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth acknowledged that Iran has relocated some of its remaining military assets during the ceasefire, warning that these could become targets if Tehran refuses to agree to a deal.
While Trump appears cautious about resuming full scale conflict and continues to favour a diplomatic resolution, sources emphasise that the ceasefire extension is temporary and that US forces remain prepared to restart military operations if required.
Miscalculation and Escalating Maritime Standoff
Sources involved in early war planning suggest that the Trump administration underestimated Iran’s readiness to close the Strait of Hormuz. They argue that earlier deployment of US military assets could have deterred or prevented the move.
The failure to keep the Strait open has contributed directly to the current impasse, with commercial shipping unwilling to risk transit due to security threats.
US Naval Presence and Ongoing Blockade
A US official confirmed that the American navy currently operates 19 vessels in the Middle East, including three aircraft carriers, along with seven ships in the Indian Ocean.
The United States began enforcing a maritime blockade on Iranian ports on 13 April, using a significant portion of this naval presence. At least 33 vessels have been redirected, and US forces have boarded a minimum of three ships, including two in the Indian Ocean approximately 2,000 miles from the Gulf.
The most recent operation involved boarding a vessel described as sanctioned and stateless, carrying Iranian oil.
Fragile Ceasefire and Uncertain Diplomatic Outcome
A two week ceasefire was announced between Washington and Tehran on 8 April. Three days later, Pakistan hosted a round of talks that failed to produce an agreement.
On Tuesday, Trump confirmed an extension of the ceasefire at Pakistan’s request, pending Iran’s submission of a proposal, without specifying a timeline.
The conflict, which began on 28 February between the United States and Israel against Iran, has resulted in more than 3,000 deaths. The ceasefire remains a temporary pause amid ongoing uncertainty, with the Strait of Hormuz continuing to sit at the centre of any potential escalation.
