Trump Considers Limited Military Strikes Against Iran in Response to Hormuz Attacks

<p>President Trump and his senior aides are considering limited military strikes in the Strait of Hormuz to prevent Iran from reconstituting its radar and missile capabilities to attack ships, according to three U.S. officials.</p><p>The plan, developed over the past week by U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) and supported by Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, had not been approved by Trump prior to a recent exchange of fire with Iran. However, he may approve it following the new escalation.</p><hr /><ul><li>One U.S. official indicated that the objective of the plan is to reduce the risk of Iranian attacks on oil tankers, U.S. Navy ships, and Air Force aircraft, describing it as a strategy to "mow the lawn."</li><li>The White House declined to comment.</li></ul><p>In recent months, the U.S. military has gradually taken control of most of the strait through operations aimed at degrading Iranian military capabilities, including clearing mines and guiding ships through the strait.</p><ul><li>This has limited Iran's ability to target oil tankers while facilitating increased traffic and oil exports through the strait, thereby reducing Iran's leverage over this critical waterway.</li></ul><p>U.S. officials report that CENTCOM has expressed concern regarding Iran's efforts to rebuild its radar, air defense, and anti-ship missile capabilities in the strait to enhance targeting accuracy.</p><ul><li>One incident that raised concerns was the launch of an Iranian anti-aircraft missile toward a U.S. F-35 fighter jet providing cover to ships in the strait, although the missile did not pose a significant threat. This incident was interpreted as a signal of Iran's attempts to restore its military capacity.</li><li>CENTCOM has informed Hegseth, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Dan Caine, and the White House that military strikes against Iran may be necessary to ensure the safe passage of dozens of oil tankers moving out of the Gulf daily.</li></ul><p>Hegseth has supported the plan and submitted it to the White House several days ago, according to U.S. officials.</p><ul><li>Last week, the White House appeared to be hesitant to approve the strikes to avoid further escalation with Iran.</li><li>However, Iran's ballistic missile attacks on U.S. bases in Jordan on Sunday could influence Trump's decision. These attacks followed U.S. strikes against Iranian troops preparing to launch rockets into the strait.</li><li>Trump stated in an interview with Fox News on Monday morning that the U.S. will respond to the Iranian attacks and "hit them hard."</li></ul>