US develops new strike options against Iran if agreement fails

Moscow (ANTARA) - The United States military is developing several new strike options against Iran, including in the Strait of Hormuz area, if the ceasefire with Tehran ends without an agreement. A CNN report on Thursday (23/4), citing several sources, stated that these options include attacks on fast attack boats, mine-laying ships, and other asymmetric warfare assets used by Iran to block that strategic sea route. In addition, the US military is also considering strikes on Iran’s dual-use facilities, such as power plants and bridges, similar to threats from the Trump administration previously. Other options under review include the possibility of targeting Iranian military commanders and national leadership figures, including Ahmad Vahidi, commander of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. Previously, on 28 February, the United States and Israel launched strikes on targets in Iran, causing damage and civilian casualties. The two sides then announced a two-week ceasefire on 7 April, but follow-up talks in Islamabad ended without conclusion. Although there has been no official announcement regarding the resumption of hostilities, the United States has imposed a blockade on Iranian ports. Meanwhile, on Tuesday, Trump stated that Washington would extend the ceasefire while continuing the blockade. The US head of state also mentioned that the prospect of peace talks with Iran “might” occur within the next 36 to 72 hours.