The United States and Israel are conducting intensive preparations for a possible new phase of military confrontation with Iran. According to sources among officials from Middle Eastern countries, the decision could be made as soon as Donald Trump returns from China.
The American president’s inner circle has drawn up several scenarios for resuming active hostilities. The first involves intensifying airstrikes against Iranian military facilities and critical infrastructure. The second, far riskier option, envisions a ground operation involving special forces. Its primary objective would be to locate and seize stockpiles of enriched uranium concealed in Iran’s underground nuclear facilities. As early as March, several hundred special forces soldiers were deployed to the Middle East. However, military officials acknowledge that securing a safety perimeter would require thousands of additional troops, and that the risk of casualties in such a scenario would be extremely high.
The war is already producing serious economic consequences. Iran has effectively blocked the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s key oil trade routes, triggering a sharp spike in fuel prices. Diplomats from several concerned countries are conducting behind-the-scenes negotiations, seeking a compromise whereby Iran would reopen the strait in exchange for allowing Trump to declare victory.
Trump has repeatedly stated that the ultimate goal of the military campaign is to permanently strip Tehran of any possibility of acquiring nuclear weapons. However, a diplomatic agreement has so far proven elusive. Iran has taken a firm stance, declaring itself ready to respond to any aggression. Trump has not yet made a final decision on whether to resume hostilities.
