US President Donald Trump is considering limited military strikes on Iran to stop Tehran from rebuilding its capability to launch future attacks on commercial vessels in the Strait of Hormuz.
The proposed operational plan was developed by United States Central Command and approved by Pentagon Chief Pete Hegseth, according to United States administration sources cited by news outlet Axios.
Although White House officials previously leaned toward ruling out new strikes to avoid regional escalation, recent Iranian attacks against American military bases in Jordan could influence the decision by Trump.
Trump previously allowed for the possibility of continued American attacks against Iran. Speaking on the overall situation in the Middle East, the American president stated that the republic was in decline.
Strait of Hormuz security
The Strait of Hormuz is a narrow strategic waterway located between Oman and Iran, connecting the Persian Gulf with the Gulf of Oman. It serves as one of the world's most critical maritime transit points, carrying roughly a fifth of global petroleum supply.
Iran, officially known as the Islamic Republic of Iran, has its seat of government in Tehran. Commercial shipping vessels navigating through the strategic waterway have repeatedly faced security threats during periods of conflict between Washington and Tehran.
US military command
United States Central Command, abbreviated as CENTCOM, is the unified combatant command of the United States Department of Defense responsible for military operations in the Middle East. CENTCOM operates under the direction of Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth at the Pentagon in Arlington, Virginia.
Jordan is a Middle Eastern nation bordering Syria, Iraq, Saudi Arabia, Israel, and the West Bank. The country maintains strong diplomatic and defense ties with Washington, hosting American military forces at facilities across its territory.
Axios is an American news organization launched in 2017 and based in Arlington, Virginia, that covers national security, politics, and White House policy developments.
