The conflict between the United States and Iran entered a dangerous new phase this week, with multiple reports suggesting the Pentagon is actively developing military plans for what officials are calling a “final strike.” According to Greek outlet Ta Nea, citing reporting from Axios, two US officials and two additional sources confirmed that the plans could include the use of ground forces and massive bombardment campaigns.
The White House left little room for ambiguity. As reported by Peru’s La República, the administration warned that President Trump would “unleash hell” on Iran if Tehran does not accept a deal to end the broader Middle East war. The threat is especially acute as the Strait of Hormuz — the world’s most critical oil chokepoint — reportedly remains closed, dramatically raising the stakes.
Four military options are said to be on the table, though officials acknowledge that several of them risk prolonging the conflict rather than ending it. Some within the administration believe an overwhelming display of force could influence ongoing peace negotiations or allow Trump to claim a political victory.
Meanwhile, Israel announced a significant escalation of its own. Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz claimed that Alireza Tangsiri, commander of the Iranian Revolutionary Guards’ navy, was killed alongside other senior naval commanders in an overnight strike. Iran did not immediately acknowledge the killing.
A.S. Dulat, the former chief of India’s external intelligence agency (RAW), offered a more cautious assessment in an interview with RT India. He argued that the US is “currently not ready for a land invasion of Iran,” noting that Tehran has long prepared for such a scenario and that body bags returning home would be deeply unpopular with the American public.
