Trump Considers Military Escalation Against Iran Including Seizing Islands Near Strait of Hormuz

Following a night of intensified airstrikes on Iran, the White House is evaluating a range of measures that could further escalate tensions in the Gulf region. According to a report by The Wall Street Journal on July 26, 2026, President Donald Trump is leaning toward expanding military operations against Iran. Options under consideration include increasing airstrikes, deploying U.S. ground forces to seize Iranian islands near the strategic Strait of Hormuz, and bombing a fortified underground tunnel complex at Mount Makuh.

In recent days, Trump has received multiple briefings from senior administration officials on possible escalation scenarios. On Tuesday evening, he held a meeting in the White House Situation Room to review these options, which reportedly include taking control of Kharg Island and other territories along the Strait of Hormuz. Expanding air attacks to additional targets such as energy infrastructure remains a possibility. Trump has publicly indicated that the goal of these actions is to pressure Iran into complying with U.S. nuclear demands and to reopen the Strait of Hormuz for international navigation.

The escalation follows ongoing exchanges of fire in the Gulf and diplomatic efforts led by Qatar to bring both sides back to negotiations. Despite these talks, the U.S. has declared that future negotiations will proceed only under military pressure, while Iran continues missile and drone strikes against Gulf states. Overnight, U.S. forces reportedly struck targets further north in Iran, including areas near Tehran, marking a new phase in the current conflict. Iran responded by activating air defense systems in its capital.

The U.S. Central Command confirmed completion of another wave of strikes ordered by Trump, targeting Iranian command centers, air defense sites, missile and drone launch capabilities, and coastal surveillance facilities. These developments signal a significant intensification of U.S. military efforts aimed at curbing Iran's regional influence and nuclear ambitions.