US Weighs Limited Strikes on Iran’s Missile and Radar Systems in Hormuz
WASHINGTON, UNITED STATES — WEB DESK: The United States is considering a military plan for limited strikes against Iranian radar, air-defence and anti-ship missile capabilities around the Strait of Hormuz, according to reports citing US officials, as renewed fighting raises fears of another escalation between Washington and Tehran.
The proposal was developed by US Central Command (CENTCOM) over the past week and has the backing of Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, according to an Axios report cited by multiple news organisations. Three US officials were cited as sources for the plan.
Crucially, the proposal had not received President Donald Trump’s approval before the latest exchange of fire with Iran, according to the reporting. The existence of a military option therefore should not be interpreted as confirmation that Trump has ordered another round of attacks.
A White House official said the president retained all options regarding Iran, but did not publicly confirm approval of the reported CENTCOM proposal.
Proposed Strikes Would Target Military Capabilities
The reported plan focuses on Iranian military systems positioned around the strategically important Strait of Hormuz.
Potential targets include radar installations, air-defence systems and anti-ship missile capabilities that US officials believe could threaten oil tankers, US Navy vessels and American military aircraft operating around the waterway.
US officials reportedly believe Iran has been attempting to restore military capabilities degraded during previous operations.
The proposed strategy would involve limited and potentially periodic strikes designed to prevent those capabilities from being fully rebuilt.
One US official cited in the reporting characterised the approach as repeatedly degrading military capabilities as they are restored.
That description is important because the proposal is reportedly intended as a limited military strategy rather than a declared plan for a full-scale war with Iran.
Whether such strikes could actually remain limited once retaliation begins is a separate question.
Washington Says Shipping and Aircraft Are at Risk
US officials reportedly became increasingly concerned as Iran sought to rebuild radar, missile and air-defence capabilities near the Strait.
According to the report, one incident involved an Iranian anti-aircraft missile being fired toward a US F-35 fighter jet that was providing cover for vessels in the area. The missile reportedly did not come close enough to endanger the aircraft.
This account comes from US officials and has not been independently established in the reporting reviewed.
CENTCOM subsequently advised senior US defence officials that periodic action could be required to reduce risks to commercial tankers, US Navy ships and military aircraft.
Latest Fighting Could Change Trump’s Decision
The proposal reportedly reached the White House before the latest military escalation but had not been approved.
Since then, US and Iranian forces have exchanged fresh attacks.
US forces recently struck Iranian rocket launchers on Larak Island, with Washington saying Iranian forces were preparing to launch rockets and deploy sea mines in the Strait of Hormuz. Iran subsequently launched ballistic missiles toward US military facilities in Jordan.
The US assertion that Iranian forces were preparing to deploy mines should be presented as Washington’s stated justification, rather than an independently verified fact.
The latest confrontation could increase the likelihood that Trump considers additional military options, officials cited in the reporting said.
Iran Warns of Heavier Retaliation
Tehran, meanwhile, has warned that further American attacks would trigger a stronger response.
Iran’s military said it would not tolerate additional aggression and warned Washington against launching another attack. The statement characterised Iran’s latest actions as responses to US military operations.
The competing narratives are important: Washington says its operations are intended to protect shipping and military assets, while Tehran portrays its actions as defensive retaliation against US attacks.
Neither side’s legal or military characterisation should be adopted automatically as neutral fact.
Tanker Hit by Projectiles in Hormuz
The security situation in the waterway deteriorated further on Tuesday when a tanker reported being struck by three unidentified projectiles while transiting the Strait of Hormuz.
The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations said the incident occurred about 17 nautical miles east of Khasab, Oman. No casualties or environmental damage were initially reported.
The identity of whoever launched the projectiles was not established in that initial report.
It would therefore be inaccurate to attribute the tanker strike to Iran, the United States or another actor without additional evidence.
Oil Prices Rise as Risks Return
The renewed military confrontation is already affecting energy markets.
Brent crude rose about 1.2% to $91.54 a barrel on Tuesday, while US West Texas Intermediate climbed about 1.5% to $87.03, as traders priced in renewed risks to Middle Eastern energy supplies.
The Strait of Hormuz has historically carried around one-fifth of global oil flows, making disruption around the narrow waterway a major concern for international energy markets.
Shipping through the strait has fallen sharply during the conflict, according to Reuters, although reporting should distinguish between severe disruption and claims that every vessel is physically prevented from passing.
A Plan Is Not an Attack Order
The central fact in the latest development is the difference between military planning and presidential authorisation.
CENTCOM routinely develops military options for senior US decision-makers. Reporting that a strike plan has been prepared does not establish that an attack is imminent or inevitable.
In this case, the available reporting says the plan was developed, backed by Hegseth and submitted for consideration — but Trump had not approved it before the latest escalation.
The White House has publicly kept its options open.
That makes the publication-safe formulation: the United States is weighing or considering limited strikes — not that Washington has decided to launch them.
Any approval would represent another potentially significant escalation in the US-Iran confrontation and could further endanger commercial shipping through one of the world’s most important energy corridors.
