US President Donald Trump has warned that Washington may soon resume military operations in the Strait of Hormuz or take even more severe action against Iran, while reports say the Pentagon has prepared a plan for a short but powerful wave of strikes. The developments come as negotiations appear deadlocked and the White House grows impatient with Tehran's response.

Coverage comparison

Reports from multiple outlets describe a US administration weighing military options against Iran after diplomacy stalled. The Jerusalem Post, citing a report by Axios, said US Central Command (CENTCOM) had prepared a plan for a “short and powerful” wave of strikes on Iran, likely including infrastructure targets, and that President Trump was set to receive a briefing on new plans for potential military action, led by CENTCOM Commander Adm. Brad Cooper.

TASS, citing Axios, reported that Washington had effectively rejected a three-stage proposal from Tehran and that CENTCOM had prepared a plan for a “short and powerful” wave of strikes, including civilian infrastructure targets. TASS also quoted Trump, in an interview with CBS News, saying Washington might resume military operations in the Strait of Hormuz or take “much more severe” action. A separate TASS report, citing CNN, said the White House was running out of patience over the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz and Tehran's lack of significant concessions.

Key claims

  • The US has prepared a plan for a “short and powerful” wave of strikes against Iran, according to reports by Axios cited in the Jerusalem Post and TASS. The plan reportedly includes civilian infrastructure targets.
  • Iran's proposed three-stage plan, which would have opened the Strait of Hormuz and lifted the maritime blockade before nuclear talks, was rejected by Washington, according to Axios as cited by TASS.
  • After the strikes, the US hopes to press the Iranian leadership to return to the negotiating table and show more flexibility, according to TASS citing Axios.
  • Trump, in an interview with CBS News, said that if Washington acted, it would either resume operations in the Strait of Hormuz or take “much more severe” action, though he did not elaborate.
  • The US and Israel launched a military operation against Iran on February 28, according to TASS. On April 7, Trump announced a two-week ceasefire with Iran. The Iranian side reported 3,375 deaths from US and Israeli attacks over 40 days of war, TASS said.
  • The White House is increasingly considering resuming a full-scale military operation, according to CNN as cited by TASS, with the White House frustrated by the ongoing blockade of the Strait of Hormuz and what it sees as Tehran's insufficient concessions.

Perspectives

Trump, speaking to CBS News, framed control over the Strait of Hormuz as “the only weapon” in Tehran's arsenal and dismissed Iran's response to US proposals as “totally unacceptable” and “a stupid proposal.” He acknowledged the Iranians were making concessions but said they were “not nearly enough.”

Iranian state television, as cited by TASS, said Tehran does not recognize Washington's unilateral ceasefire extension and will act as it deems necessary in its interests. The reports also noted that Tehran has not agreed to a long-term settlement with the US.