US preparing ‘final blow’ options that could see use of ground troops if Iran talks fail — report

The US is working on options for a “final blow” to Iran that could see American ground troops deployed on Iranian soil, as well as a major bombing effort, Axios reports, citing two US officials and two sources with knowledge.

If attempts to initiate high-level negotiations with Iran do not bear fruit and the Iranians continue to threaten shipping in the Strait of Hormuz, the US could initiate a final blow that would serve a dual purpose — improving its position in future talks with Tehran, or allowing US President Donald Trump to end the war unilaterally with a victory image.

The officials tell Axios that four options are under discussion.

The first would entail seizing or blockading Kharg Island, Iran’s key hub for the export of oil.

A second option would be to take Larak Island in the strait, which has Iranian bases and radars that track ships transiting Hormuz, as well as smaller boats that can attack civilian ships.

A third possibility would be to invade Abu Musa Island in the eastern Persian Gulf, which gives Iran control over ships leaving the Gulf. The island — and the nearby Greater and Lesser Tunb islands — are held by Iran but claimed by the United Arab Emirates, a key US and Israeli ally.

Finally, the US could simply block or take control of ships exporting Iranian oil.

According to Axios, there are also plans under consideration for US troops to seize Iran’s highly enriched uranium, believed to sit under ruined nuclear facilities deep inside Iran. Alternatively, the US could simply bomb the sites from the air to ensure that Iran can’t reach the material.

Trump has not decided on any of the plans, say the sources.