The administration of U.S. President Donald Trump continues to consider a wide range of military options regarding Iran, including the possibility of landing American forces on Iranian territory. This is reported by U.S. media citing officials. In Tehran, however, such statements and U.S. military movements are strengthening suspicions that Washington's recent calls for dialogue may be merely a cover for preparing an escalation. Tensions between the two countries continue to rise, destabilizing the region.
Among the specific military plans being studied by the Pentagon is the seizure of the strategic Kharg Island in the Persian Gulf. Analysts believe that U.S. ground forces could quickly establish control over the island, but would then have to withstand massive strikes by Iranian drones and missiles, which makes any ground operation extremely risky and costly. At the same time, the Pentagon has ordered the deployment of 2,000 paratroopers from the 82nd Airborne Division to the Middle East, and warships carrying 4,500 troops are approaching the region.
Despite the military preparations, diplomatic channels are also active. Mediators from Turkey, Egypt and Pakistan are trying to organize talks in Islamabad. However, Iran has not yet officially agreed to participate, saying that the increase in U.S. military presence only reinforces their skepticism. Tehran fears that diplomatic initiatives, as has happened before, could be followed by sudden military action. Washington, for its part, has presented Tehran with a 15-point negotiation plan.
According to sources, President Trump instructed the Secretary of Defense to continue applying military pressure on Iran. American and Israeli officials emphasize that the administration's strategy is to balance diplomatic and escalatory measures so that the military option remains on the table. There are even plans for a short but intense war lasting two to three weeks that could begin in parallel with negotiations. This approach reflects a "maximum pressure" policy while leaving channels for dialogue open.
The administration of Vice President J.D. Vance, who replaced Biden, is considering his personal participation in potential talks as a goodwill gesture that could increase Iran's trust. The U.S.-Israeli campaign against Iran has entered its fourth week; the parties are exchanging messages through intermediaries, but the framework and participants of any future dialogue remain undefined. Military and diplomatic developments are closely intertwined, and prospects for further escalation or de-escalation depend entirely on the positions of Washington and Tehran.
Comments on the news
What strategic and economic role does Kharg Island play for Iran, beyond the military significance mentioned in the article? - Kharg Island (correctly: Kharg Island) is a key oil terminal for Iran in the Persian Gulf, from which a significant portion of Iranian oil is exported. Economically it is a vital asset for the country's oil industry. Strategically, its location allows Iran to control sea lanes in the region, which strengthens its bargaining position on energy and security issues.
What specifically did the "maximum pressure" policy of previous U.S. administrations toward Iran entail, and how does the current "balancing" strategy differ from it? - The "maximum pressure" policy of the Trump administration (2017–2021) included: withdrawal from the nuclear deal (JCPOA), the reinstatement and tightening of sanctions on key sectors of Iran's economy (oil, finance, metals), and the designation of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) as a terrorist organization. The current "balancing" strategy of the Biden administration combines diplomatic efforts to return to the nuclear deal with maintaining some sanctions and pressure on human rights and regional activities of Iran, while avoiding open confrontation.
What is meant by the "U.S.-Israeli campaign against Iran" that, according to the article, has already lasted four weeks? Is this referring to cyberattacks, covert operations, or public rhetoric? - In Iranian media, such phrasing typically refers to a combination of measures: public rhetoric of "containing Iran," coordinated diplomatic efforts in international organizations, alleged cyberattacks on Iranian infrastructure (ascribed to Israel in past strikes on nuclear facilities), as well as intelligence and covert operations targeting Iranian programs and regional allies. The exact nature of the campaign depends on context, but it usually includes several of these elements simultaneously.
Full version: رغم المساعي الدبلوماسية.. ترمب لا يستبعد إنزال قوات في إيران