The Pentagon is preparing scenarios for “a massive final blow” in Iran, as President Donald Trump warned the country to make a deal to end the war “before it’s too late.”
Trump could choose from four proposals, including the use of troops on the ground and a possible invasion of Kharg Island, a vital component of Iran’s oil network, according to Axios.
The options, described as “hypothetical” by White House officials, come as Trump claimed Iranian negotiators are “begging” the U.S. to end the conflict despite Iran’s foreign minister, Abbas Araghchi, declaring on state television that the country does not plan on holding “any negotiations.”
In the four proposals being drawn up for Trump by the Pentagon, the president could reportedly choose to invade or blockade Kharg Island; invade the island of Larak, which helps Iran to control the Strait of Hormuz; seize the island of Abu Musa and two Iranian-controlled smaller islands which are also located near the strait; or block and seize ships exporting Iranian oil, U.S. officials with knowledge of the plans told Axios.
Plans for ground operations to secure enriched uranium within Iran’s nuclear facilities have also been prepared by the U.S. military, along with an alternative proposal to carry out a large-scale air strike on the facilities that would not require boots on the ground, according to the outlet.
Trump has not yet made a decision on any of the options, but the president is “ready to escalate” if negotiations with Iran do not progress soon, the officials told Axios.
The Independent has contacted the Pentagon and the White House for comment on the plans.
Trump appeared frustrated in a Truth Social post Thursday, and branded Iranian negotiators “very different and strange.”
“They are “begging” us to make a deal, which they should be doing since they have been militarily obliterated, with zero chance of a comeback, and yet they publicly state that they are only “looking at our proposal.” WRONG!!!” Trump fumed. “They better get serious soon, before it is too late, because once that happens, there is NO TURNING BACK, and it won’t be pretty!”
White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt echoed Trump’s warnings to Iran at a Wednesday briefing, and said the president “is ready to unleash hell.”
“The President doesn't bluff and he is ready to unleash hell. Iran shouldn't miscalculate again…” Leavitt said. “Any violence beyond this point will be because the Iranian regime... refuses to come to a deal.”
In the coming days and weeks, thousands more U.S. troops are anticipated to arrive in the Middle East.
The Pentagon confirmed to The Independent Wednesday that some elements of the 82nd Airborne Division, some division enablers and the 1st Brigade Combat Team will be deploying to the region.
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