Trump considers launching 'routine' strikes in 'Hormuz'
Washington – Agencies: U.S. President Donald Trump is intensifying consultations with his top military aides and exploring options for limited, periodic military strikes against targets in the Strait of Hormuz, aiming to paralyze Iran’s radar and missile capabilities and prevent it from rebuilding platforms targeted for international navigation and oil tankers, according to Axios, citing Washington officials.
According to sources, the plan under consideration by the U.S. administration includes giving the green light to a proposal developed by U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) in coordination with Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. These plans aim to ensure regular strikes that guarantee the safe passage of dozens of oil tankers daily through the Strait of Hormuz, while reducing risks to U.S. naval vessels and aircraft, particularly following an incident in which an Iranian anti-aircraft missile was fired at a U.S. F-35 fighter jet providing navigation security in the region.
These moves come after a U.S. military confrontation that targeted missile launch platforms belonging to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps on Larak Island, prompting an Iranian response that involved targeting U.S. military bases and facilities in Jordan and the United Arab Emirates. Axios quoted a U.S. official as saying that Iran’s recent attacks on bases in Jordan could push President Trump to adopt a tougher stance and intensify strikes, after the White House had previously leaned toward de-escalating the pace of military operations.
While Trump vowed a decisive response to the targeting of U.S. facilities in the Middle East, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian issued statements affirming that continuing the war is not in Tehran’s or the region’s interest. Pezeshkian announced Tehran’s readiness to immediately resume its commitments under the memorandum of understanding signed with the United States last June, conditional on Washington returning to its own commitments.
Pezeshkian’s remarks came during his participation in the Shanghai Cooperation Organization summit in Bishkek, the capital of Kyrgyzstan, yesterday, as the Strait of Hormuz witnessed an attack on a ship with three projectiles, causing a fire on board.
The Iranian president stated, “It is officially announced that the Islamic Republic of Iran, should the United States return to its commitments under the memorandum of understanding, will immediately take similar measures,” according to the Iranian presidency website.
The Iranian Students News Agency (ISNA) quoted Pezeshkian as affirming that Iran would respond in kind immediately upon the United States’ return to its commitments under the temporary agreement signed in June.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi had confirmed on Monday that resolving the dispute requires Washington to return to what was agreed upon in the memorandum of understanding. Araghchi said the solution is clear and simple, adding that the United States must respect its commitments and adhere to what it signed in the memorandum, at which point matters will return to normal.
