Trump Considers Expanding Military Strikes and Seizing Iranian Islands Near Strait of Hormuz

Senior U.S. officials told The Wall Street Journal that President Donald Trump is contemplating an expansion of military operations against Iranian targets amid escalating tensions between Washington and Tehran. The discussions include increasing airstrikes, deploying ground forces to capture Iranian islands near the Strait of Hormuz, and bombing a fortified site suspected of hosting covert nuclear activities.

Yesterday, Trump convened a situation assessment meeting where options such as seizing Kharg Island and other territories near the strategic strait were reviewed. The possibility of striking a tunnel complex at Mount Pikaaks, linked to nuclear weapons development and previously untargeted by the U.S., was also discussed. Expanding attacks on additional Iranian energy facilities remains under consideration.

Last week, prior to a U.S. strike, Trump hinted at the potential seizure of Kharg Island, stating that while the U.S. had severely damaged Iranian radar systems and could destroy bridges and power infrastructure quickly, he had ordered avoiding damage to oil pipelines. Iran responded with a threat, warning that no American soldier would return alive if such an invasion occurred.

Meanwhile, the U.S. military continues to intensify its campaign against Iran. The U.S. Central Command announced the launch of a second round of strikes today targeting Iranian military capabilities threatening vessels in the Strait of Hormuz. Concurrently, local reports from Iran indicated explosions in the southwestern city of Ahvaz.

This development marks a significant escalation in the ongoing conflict between the two countries, with potential for further military engagement in the Persian Gulf region.