Pentagon plans focused strikes on Iran's maritime assets

ALBAWABA - CNN says that U.S. military leaders are making backup plans to attack Iranian assets near important shipping routes if the current truce with Iran falls apart.

The planned attacks would happen in and around the Strait of Hormuz and the seas nearby, like the Arabian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman. The plan puts "dynamic targeting" of Iranian assets like rapid assault boats, mine-laying ships, and other asymmetric naval capabilities that have been used to block maritime channels at the top of the list.

Officials think these problems have already had big effects on the world economy, making it harder for the US to calm markets while tensions are still high.

The article says that U.S. strategists are also thinking of attacking dual-use infrastructure, such energy facilities, in addition to naval targets. This would put more pressure on Tehran to go back to the negotiating table. People see these kinds of behaviors as a possible way to make the situation worse, however.

Another possible possibility being looked at is going after high-ranking Iranian military officials, like Ahmad Vahidi, who are seen as getting in the way of diplomatic progress.

Military capabilities that are still there

Sources say that any fresh operation would target Iran's residual military assets, including missile systems, launch platforms, and manufacturing locations that weren't destroyed in prior attacks or were moved during the ceasefire.

Previous intelligence reports show that a large part of these capabilities is still intact, which makes us worry about how well the prior operations worked.

Uncertainty about the ceasefire

President Donald Trump of the United States has said he would rather see a diplomatic solution, but officials stress that the truce is just temporary and might terminate if talks fail. Military soldiers in the area are still ready to start working again if they are told to.

The paper also talks about prior mistakes, saying that Washington didn't realize how ready Iran was to limit access to the strait. This has led to continued tensions and shipping firms being hesitant to use the route.