According to several US officials, recent strike operations against Iran are designed not only to compel the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz but also to degrade Iranian military capabilities. These officials stated that Washington aims to weaken Iran's defense systems before undertaking more complex military operations. Speaking on condition of anonymity due to the sensitivity of military matters, these individuals noted that the current strikes effectively expand the range of military options available to the US President. Speculation has persisted regarding subsequent moves since the President notified Congress of the formal resumption of hostilities with Iran.

The conflict with Iran has now entered its fifth month. Hostilities continue following the collapse of a memorandum of understanding intended to end fighting and facilitate peace negotiations. Since late February, when the US and Israel launched military operations against Iran, Iranian military strength has been significantly degraded. However, Tehran retains substantial drone and missile capabilities and continues to attack passing oil tankers and targets in neighboring Gulf states. The US military stated that the latest round of airstrikes targeted Iranian air defense systems, coastal radar, missile and drone facilities, as well as maritime assets such as small vessels. One official described these strikes as shaping operations intended to weaken Iran's defense architecture, enabling the US military to conduct larger-scale, higher-intensity operations should orders be given in the future.

Earlier media reports indicated that the US military is developing plans considering deploying troops along the Iranian coast to better secure the Strait of Hormuz. At the time, the US also discussed the possibility of sending ground troops to Kharg Island, a critical hub for Iranian oil exports accounting for approximately 90 percent of the country's oil shipments. However, this operation carries extremely high risk, as Iran could launch missile and drone attacks against the island from the mainland. On Tuesday, the US President stated that while he has ordered the US military to avoid attacking Iranian oil facilities during previous operations against Kharg Island, he has not ruled out the possibility of seizing the island. In an interview, he remarked that such action would be taken if the adversary could be sufficiently degraded and their capabilities significantly suppressed. Additionally, the US has threatened to strike facilities related to Iran's nuclear program. Located near Tehran's main nuclear sites and deeply buried underground, these represent heavily fortified military targets. Military analysts believe that publicly discussing military options such as seizing Kharg Island is a double-edged sword. While this approach may aid diplomatic negotiations by pressuring Iran, from a military perspective, public statements are disadvantageous as they effectively reveal potential courses of action to the adversary. The US Department of Defense did not immediately respond to requests for comment.