On the 26th, Iran's Tasnim News Agency quoted military insiders as saying that if the United States attempts a suicidal move to open the Strait of Hormuz, Iran is ready.
According to military sources, Iran has mobilized over one million combat personnel in preparation for ground combat with the United States. In addition, large numbers of young Iranians are flocking to the 'Mobilization of the Oppressed Organization', Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, and military recruitment centers to apply to participate in the fight.
The US is Formulating a 'Fatal Blow' Military Plan Against Iran
On the 26th, the US Axios news website quoted US officials and sources as saying that the US Department of War is formulating a 'fatal blow' military plan against Iran, which may include the use of ground troops and large-scale bombing.
The report stated that some US officials believe that by demonstrating strong military power to end the conflict, it could create more leverage for peace negotiations, or at least give President Trump the opportunity to claim victory.
According to sources, the proposed 'fatal blow' plan includes invading or blockading Iran's main oil export hub Kharg Island, attacking the strategic location Larak Island used by Iran to control the Strait of Hormuz, seizing Abu Musa Island and two other small islands at the western entrance to the Strait, as well as blocking or seizing ships transporting Iranian oil on the eastern side of the Strait of Hormuz.
In addition, the US military has also prepared plans for ground operations deep into Iran’s interior in order to obtain highly enriched uranium stored in nuclear facilities. Another plan involves large-scale air strikes to prevent Iran from obtaining such nuclear materials in the future.
The report said that although Trump has not made a final decision on the above plans, and the White House describes ground operations as hypothetical discussions, sources said that if substantive results are not achieved in negotiations with Iran in the short term, Trump is prepared to escalate the conflict.
The US Department of War Considers Sending 10,000 Additional Ground Troops
On the 26th, The Wall Street Journal also quoted US Department of War officials as saying that the Pentagon is considering sending up to 10,000 additional ground troops to the Middle East, thereby providing more military options for President Trump.
The report pointed out that this ground force may include infantry and armored vehicles, and will reinforce the approximately 5,000 Marines and thousands of paratroopers from the 82nd Airborne Division already deployed in the Middle East.