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Axios: Trump weighs limited strikes on Iran near the Strait of Hormuz
🇬🇷 Greece /Conflict & Security

Axios: Trump weighs limited strikes on Iran near the Strait of Hormuz

From Ta Nea · () Greek

Translated from Greek and summarized by DistantNews. Read the original for the full story.

At a glance

News Named sources Ongoing story
  • Donald Trump and senior advisers are considering limited strikes near the Strait of Hormuz to prevent Iran from rebuilding radar and missile capabilities used against ships, according to three U.S. officials.
  • The plan, developed by U.S. Central Command and backed by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, had not received Trump’s approval before weekend exchanges of fire.
  • U.S. officials say periodic strikes could be needed to protect tanker traffic, while Iran’s military reconstruction has raised concern in Washington.

The possibility of limited U.S. strikes near the Strait of Hormuz is back under consideration after a new exchange of fire with Iran, according to three U.S. officials cited by Axios. The proposed operation would target efforts to rebuild Iranian radar, air-defense and anti-ship missile capabilities.

U.S. Central Command developed the plan over the past week, and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth supported it. Trump had not approved the proposal before the weekend’s clashes, but the latest escalation could prompt him to reconsider. A U.S. official described the aim as reducing the risk of Iranian attacks on tankers, Navy ships and Air Force aircraft, using the phrase “mow the lawn.”

The United States has spent the past two months seeking greater control over most of the waterway. Its campaign has included efforts to weaken Iran’s military capabilities, clear mines and guide ships through the strait. U.S. officials say those actions have reduced Iran’s ability to strike tankers and allowed traffic and oil exports through the waterway to increase.

Mow the lawn.

— A U.S. officialThe official described the proposed strikes as a way to reduce the risk of Iranian attacks on ships and aircraft.

CENTCOM recently warned Hegseth, Joint Chiefs Chairman Gen. Dan Caine and the White House that periodic strikes might be required to keep dozens of tankers moving safely through the Gulf. Officials also pointed to an incident in which an Iranian surface-to-air missile was fired at a U.S. F-35 escorting ships. The missile did not come close enough to pose a threat, but officials viewed the launch as evidence that Iran was rebuilding its capabilities.

The White House had appeared to reject strikes the previous week to avoid further escalation. Iranian ballistic missile attacks on U.S. bases in Jordan on Sunday may change that position. A White House spokesperson said, “The President retains all options at his disposal. The Iranians want to make a deal, but they are always a day late and a dollar short.”

The President retains all options at his disposal. The Iranians want to make a deal, but they are always a day late and a dollar short.

— White House spokespersonThe statement outlined the administration’s position after renewed escalation with Iran.
About this summary

Originally published by Ta Nea in Greek. Translated, summarized, and contextualized automatically by DistantNews, with a note on how the source frames the story. Not individually reviewed before publishing. How this works.

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