The Wall Street Journal, citing U.S. officials, reports that President Donald J. Trump is increasingly leaning toward expanding U.S. military operations against Iran, though no final decision has been made.
According to the report, options discussed in recent Situation Room meetings include broadening airstrikes, targeting Iran's underground Pickaxe Mountain nuclear facility, striking additional energy infrastructure, and potentially seizing Kharg Island or other strategic islands in and around the Strait of Hormuz with U.S. forces.
The Journal reports the discussions follow Iran's renewed attacks on commercial shipping and the collapse of the interim ceasefire, after which the U.S. reimposed its naval blockade of Iranian ports and resumed military strikes. Officials told the Journal that Trump continues to say he prefers a diplomatic resolution, but is seeking options that would increase pressure on Tehran to end attacks on shipping and return to negotiations.
Vice President JD Vance also reiterated that the military campaign is intended to bring Iran back to the negotiating table, saying, "We're not just going to bomb and bomb and bomb. We're going to try to use our military force as one of the many tools that we have to solve the problem."
According to the report, options discussed in recent Situation Room meetings include broadening airstrikes, targeting Iran's underground Pickaxe Mountain nuclear facility, striking additional energy infrastructure, and potentially seizing Kharg Island or other strategic islands in and around the Strait of Hormuz with U.S. forces.
The Journal reports the discussions follow Iran's renewed attacks on commercial shipping and the collapse of the interim ceasefire, after which the U.S. reimposed its naval blockade of Iranian ports and resumed military strikes. Officials told the Journal that Trump continues to say he prefers a diplomatic resolution, but is seeking options that would increase pressure on Tehran to end attacks on shipping and return to negotiations.
Vice President JD Vance also reiterated that the military campaign is intended to bring Iran back to the negotiating table, saying, "We're not just going to bomb and bomb and bomb. We're going to try to use our military force as one of the many tools that we have to solve the problem."
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