The Kabul Tribune (KT) — Reuters has reported that recent U.S. strikes on Iran have not only sought to secure the Strait of Hormuz but have also targeted key Iranian military assets, strengthening President Donald Trump's options for potential future military operations, according to three U.S. officials.
The officials, who spoke on condition of anonymity because
of the sensitivity of military planning, told Reuters that the strikes have
degraded Iran's air defense systems, coastal radar, missile and drone sites, as
well as maritime assets that could hinder broader U.S. military operations if
ordered.
One official described the attacks as "shaping
operations" designed to weaken Iran's defenses ahead of any more intensive
military campaign.
Trump has not publicly outlined his next steps after
formally notifying Congress last weekend of the renewed conflict with Iran,
leaving uncertainty over whether Washington intends to expand its military
campaign.
The conflict, now in its fifth month, has continued despite
the collapse of a memorandum of understanding that had aimed to halt the
fighting and pave the way for a peace agreement. Although U.S. and Israeli
operations have significantly weakened Iran's conventional military
capabilities since Feb. 28, 2026, Tehran continues to possess substantial
missile and drone capabilities and has carried out attacks on commercial
tankers and Gulf states, according to Reuters.
Reuters said the Pentagon has stated that recent U.S.
strikes have focused on Iranian air defense systems, coastal radar
installations, missile and drone facilities, as well as small boats and other maritime
assets.
The news agency recalled that it reported in March 2026 that
U.S. military planners had developed options for deploying American forces to
Iran's coastline to help secure the Strait of Hormuz. Those discussions also
included the possibility of seizing Kharg Island, the terminal that handles
most of Iran's oil exports, although officials acknowledged such an operation
would carry significant military risks.
Trump said Tuesday that he had previously instructed the
U.S. military not to strike Iran's oil facilities during operations near Kharg
Island but indicated he had not ruled out seizing the island if circumstances
warranted.
Reuters also reported that Trump has threatened to target
Pickaxe Mountain, a heavily fortified underground site linked to Iran's nuclear
program.
Military analyst Mark Cancian of the Center for Strategic
and International Studies told Reuters that publicly discussing potential
military objectives could increase pressure on Iran during negotiations but
could also reveal U.S. strategic intentions.
According to Reuters, critics of Trump's Iran policy argue
that while the military campaign has achieved tactical successes by damaging
Iran's conventional armed forces and defense industry, it has failed to secure
strategic concessions from Tehran. They also warn that Iran retains the ability
to threaten commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz using drones, rockets
and other asymmetric capabilities.
Reuters reported that the ongoing conflict has fueled debate
within the Trump administration over whether to intensify military operations.
One U.S. official said Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has advocated for a
broader campaign against Iran.
Imran Bayoumi, a former Pentagon official now with the
Atlantic Council, told Reuters that Trump's recent public statements appear
intended to increase pressure on Tehran during negotiations while keeping
Iranian leaders uncertain about Washington's next military move. He cautioned
that Trump's public remarks should be distinguished from internal policy
discussions within his national security team.
