President Donald Trump has launched a comprehensive offensive against Iran, conducting five consecutive airstrikes while simultaneously blocking oil exports through maritime blockades and imposing sanctions on arms supply networks. The possibility of deploying ground troops and targeting underground nuclear facilities, power plants, and bridges has also been raised.
Despite this aggressive stance, Trump is keeping the door open for negotiations. Analysts interpret this strategy as an attempt to increase the military and economic costs for Iran, compelling it to return to the negotiating table under U.S. terms. Axios reported that the U.S. aims to reopen the Strait of Hormuz and extract concessions on nuclear issues.
Airstrikes, Blockades, and Sanctions Mobilized
On July 15, U.S. forces conducted airstrikes against Iran for the fifth consecutive day. The U.S. Central Command stated that it targeted coastal defense facilities and cruise missile storage and launch sites on the island of Daftunb near the Strait of Hormuz.
The scope of the airstrikes is gradually expanding. According to reports from AP and others, strikes have hit not only southern Iran but also facilities near Tehran and in Semnan Province, which is associated with Iran's ballistic missile and space programs. U.S. officials believe these recent attacks are aimed at weakening Iran's air defense and missile capabilities in preparation for further military operations.
At sea, the U.S. is tightening its grip on Iran's key revenue source—oil exports. Following the resumption of a blockade on vessels traveling to and from Iranian ports, the U.S. has used actual force against ships that violated the blockade. The military reported that it fired Hellfire missiles at a tanker heading to the island of Hargh, forcing it to halt operations and redirecting two other vessels.
As tensions escalate, maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz has sharply declined. An analysis by Reuters of data from shipping information provider Kpler revealed that only seven vessels passed through the strait on July 15, down from 13 the previous day. No very large crude carriers (VLCCs) or liquefied natural gas (LNG) carriers were reported.
The economic offensive has also intensified. The U.S. Treasury Department has imposed additional sanctions on individuals and entities supporting the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) in procuring weapons abroad. This move aims to disrupt the supply of arms and materials through international transport and financial networks, thereby weakening Iran's warfighting capabilities.
Ground Troops and Nuclear Facility Strikes Considered
The U.S. is also considering more robust military actions. Axios reported that President Trump recently discussed expanding operations against Iran with national security advisors in the White House Situation Room.
The Wall Street Journal noted that options being considered include intensified airstrikes, targeting underground nuclear facilities, and deploying ground troops to seize key islands. The island of Hargh, through which most of Iran's oil exports pass, is a primary target. Trump has not completely ruled out the possibility of ground troop deployment.
Underground nuclear facilities and critical infrastructure could also be targeted. Trump hinted at the possibility of attacking a nuclear facility reportedly under construction at a site known as 'Mount Pickaxe.' He warned that if Iran does not reach an agreement soon, strikes could extend to power plants and bridges.
However, he did not specify a timeline. Trump stated, "I don’t like to set deadlines," but advised Iran to "act properly."
Iran is also retaliating. According to AP, Iran has launched missiles and drones at U.S. military-related targets in Bahrain, Kuwait, and Jordan. The conflict appears to be spreading beyond the Strait of Hormuz to neighboring countries.
Nevertheless, the possibility for dialogue remains. Trump recently described the release of American detainees in Iran as a 'goodwill gesture.' He also mentioned that the U.S. and Iran were close to an agreement before negotiations fell apart, indicating ongoing potential for resolution.
Experts view this strategy as an effort to increase the costs for Iran the longer it holds out, thereby extracting concessions in negotiations. Concerns are growing that if pressure does not lead to negotiations, the conflict could escalate throughout the Middle East.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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