The U.S. military is developing strategies for potential strikes on Iran’s defense installations should the current ceasefire falter. Key targets include facilities around the Strait of Hormuz, as well as the southern regions of the Persian and Oman Gulfs.
The Pentagon is considering ‘dynamic targeting’ of Iran’s capabilities in these critical areas, which encompasses strikes on fast attack boats, minesweeping vessels, and other asymmetric assets that have been used to disrupt vital maritime routes and exert influence over U.S. interests.
Reports indicate that Iran’s closure of the Strait of Hormuz and sections of the Persian and Oman Gulfs has caused significant fluctuations in the global economy, potentially undermining efforts to reduce inflation in the U.S. This situation has arisen despite a ceasefire that began on April 7, which halted American military strikes.
While U.S. forces have engaged Iranian naval units, much of the initial month of bombings focused on targets located far from the Strait of Hormuz, allowing for strikes deeper within Iran.
New U.S. plans, however, propose a more concentrated bombing campaign around these strategic waterways.
The agency also highlights that a considerable percentage of Iran’s coastal defense missiles remain intact despite the bombings. Additionally, Tehran possesses numerous small boats that could be employed as platforms for attacks on vessels, complicating U.S. efforts to reopen the strait.
However, military strikes around the strait alone are unlikely to immediately restore the waterway, according to several sources, including a senior shipping broker.
The U.S. military is preparing to target Iran's defense systems if the ceasefire breaks down, focusing on strategic locations in the Gulf region. Despite ongoing tensions, many Iranian defenses remain intact, complicating U.S. operations.