Report: US developing new attack plans targeting Strait of Hormuz, Iranian military leaders

The US military is developing new battle plans to target Iran’s capabilities in the Strait of Hormuz, reports CNN, citing sources familiar with the matter.

The report comes days after US President Donald Trump announced that he had extended the ceasefire with Iran at the request of Pakistani mediators, who said more time was needed for Iran to formulate a proposal to permanently end the war with the US and Israel.

According to CNN, the Pentagon is reviewing several attack plans, including an option that would include strikes against Iranian targets around the Strait of Hormuz, the southern Arabian Gulf, and the Gulf of Oman.

Sources tell the news outlet that the strikes would hit the assets that have helped Iran maintain its chokehold on the Strait of Hormuz, including the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps’ fleet of fast attack boats and vessels used for laying mines.

Trump appeared to hint at these plans on Thursday, declaring that the US Navy would “shoot and kill” any boat mining the Strait of Hormuz.

The IRGC’s fast attack boats have reportedly survived the intense US and Israeli bombing campaigns that wiped out much of Iran’s traditional navy.

They typically carry mounted machine guns, and can be used for mining operations, though the US has yet to confirm that Iranian ships have been mining the Strait of Hormuz.

Another plan proposed by military officials is to target the Iranian military leaders believed by the US to be blocking negotiations for a permanent end to the war.

At the same time, CNN reports that the US could also resume launching strikes on Iran’s remaining military capabilities, including its missile stockpiles and launchers.

Trump claimed yesterday that internal divisions in Iran were preventing it from submitting a response in ceasefire talks with the US.

“Iran is having a very hard time figuring out who their leader is! They just don’t know!” he wrote.

“The infighting is between the ‘hardliners’ who have been losing BADLY on the battlefield, and the ‘moderates,’ who are not very moderate at all (but gaining respect!),” said Trump, calling the situation “CRAZY!”