According to three U.S. officials speaking to Axios, the administration of President Donald Trump is considering a major military strike against Iran to prevent attacks on commercial vessels in the Strait of Hormuz. The planned operation, supported by Defense Minister Pete Hegseth and drafted by U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM), targets Iranian missile and radar sites rather than initiating a full-scale war.
Military Planning and Limited Strike Strategy
Planning for the potential operation involves focused military actions aimed at dismantling strategic infrastructure. According to White House officials cited by the New Arab on Monday, the proposed strikes are designed as limited operations rather than a broad campaign. One official described the approach as “cutting the grass,” employing a term commonly used by Israeli military planners to describe periodic operations in Gaza.
The discussions follow a series of escalations between Washington and Tehran. According to regional reporting, U.S. forces struck an Iranian island near the Strait of Hormuz, prompting retaliatory strikes from Iran targeting U.S. military assets across the Middle East. President Trump warned of further retaliation during public statements, declaring that the U.S. would strike back hard.
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Regional Diplomacy and International Response
As military preparations advanced, regional leaders intervened to urge restraint. According to Kompas.com, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (MBS) spoke with President Trump by phone to advocate for diplomatic channels and request clarification regarding the planned actions. Sources indicated that Riyadh expressed deep concern over the potential for unprecedented regional escalation.
Alongside Saudi Arabia, leaders from Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, Türkiye, and Pakistan also urged the U.S. to avoid steps that could deepen the conflict, as reported by The Jerusalem Post and Anadolu Agency. Concurrently, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi warned regional counterparts that any renewed aggression from the U.S. or Israel would meet a firm and proportional response.
Comparative Scale of Operations
The current deliberations represent a continuation of tensions that erupted earlier this year. According to Middle East Monitor coverage cited by Detik.com, the scale of the newly studied operations could surpass the military actions seen during Operation Epic Fury earlier in the year. While President Trump stated in a July interview with Axios that he was nearing a final decision and that U.S. forces remained fully prepared, officials confirmed that no definitive execution order had been issued yet.
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| Operation / Phase | Reported Scope | Key Objective |
|---|---|---|
| Operation Epic Fury | Earlier large-scale military campaign | Strategic deterrence following regional clashes |
| Current CENTCOM Plan | Targeted strikes surpassing previous scope | Protecting Strait of Hormuz shipping lanes |
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is the U.S. considering new strikes against Iran?
According to U.S. officials cited by Axios, the planned strikes aim to stop Iran from attacking ships navigating the strategic Strait of Hormuz.

What scale of military action is the White House reviewing?
Defense planners have drafted options for limited strikes targeting Iranian missile and radar installations, with scale potentially exceeding earlier operations like Operation Epic Fury, according to Middle East Monitor.
How have regional leaders reacted to the military buildup?
Leaders including Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman have urged Washington to prioritize diplomacy and avoid actions that could trigger a wider regional war, according to reports in The Jerusalem Post and Kompas.com.
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