Trump weighing limited strikes against Iran to curb Hormuz attacks: Axios
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- Trump is considering limited, periodic strikes on the Strait of Hormuz to prevent Iran from rebuilding radar and missile capabilities used against oil tankers, Axios reports.
- The proposal comes after Iranian missile attacks on US military targets in Jordan and the UAE, raising concerns in Washington about further escalation.
US President Donald Trump is considering a plan to conduct limited, periodic strikes in the Strait of Hormuz to prevent Iran from rebuilding radar and missile capabilities used to target oil tankers, Axios reported Monday, citing US officials.
The proposal comes after the US announced strikes on Iranian missile launchers on Larak Island. Iran subsequently launched attacks on US military targets in Jordan and the UAE, prompting Trump to threaten further retaliation.
According to Axios, Iranian missile attacks on US bases in Jordan could push Trump toward expanding military strikes on Iran after the White House had leaned against further attacks the previous week.
A US official told Axios that the plan is aimed at reducing the threat posed by Iranian missile attacks against oil tankers, US Navy vessels and US Air Force aircraft operating in the area.
Trump could authorize a plan prepared by US Central Command (CENTCOM) last week for new, limited strikes against Iran following the latest escalation, the report said.
CENTCOM reportedly told Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, Gen. Dan Caine and the White House that the US military needed to conduct periodic strikes against Iran to help ensure dozens of oil tankers can safely exit the strait each day. Hegseth reportedly backed the proposal and forwarded it to the White House.
The plan is also being considered amid US concerns over an incident in which Iran fired an anti-aircraft missile toward an American F-35 fighter jet providing cover for vessels in the Strait of Hormuz.
Trump on Monday threatened Iran with retaliation over its latest attacks on US targets across the Middle East.
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, meanwhile, said that continuing the war was not in the interests of Iran or the region.
The latest developments come despite a ceasefire announced in April and a memorandum of understanding signed in June as part of efforts toward a permanent peace agreement. No final deal to end the war has been reached.
Washington has since announced what it describes as an “economic war” against Tehran, while a US naval blockade has restricted fuel supplies reaching Iran. Oil tanker traffic through the Strait of Hormuz has also been disrupted by Iranian threats.
