The US is working on options for a “final blow” to Iran that could see American ground troops deployed on Iranian soil, as well as a major bombing effort, the Axios outlet reported Thursday, citing two US officials and two sources with knowledge of the matter.

The sources said that if attempts to negotiate an end to the conflict with Iran do not bear fruit, and the Iranians continue to hamper shipping in the Strait of Hormuz, the US could initiate a major strike that would serve a dual purpose — improving the American position in possible further talks with Tehran, and potentially allowing US President Donald Trump to end the war unilaterally with an ostensible victory image.

The officials told Axios that four options are under discussion.

The first would entail seizing or blockading Kharg Island, Iran’s key hub for the export of oil.

A second would be to take Larak Island in the Strait of Hormuz, which houses Iranian bases and radars that track ships transiting Hormuz, and hosts small boats that can attack civilian ships. Tehran has largely blocked the passage of oil through the vital strait in retaliation for the US-Israeli attacks, pushing up global energy prices.

A third possibility would be to invade Abu Musa Island in the eastern Persian Gulf, which gives Iran control over ships leaving the Gulf. The island — and the nearby Greater and Lesser Tunb islands — are held by Iran but claimed by the United Arab Emirates, a key US and Israeli ally.

Finally, the US could simply block or take control of ships exporting Iranian oil.

According to Axios, there are also plans under consideration for US troops to seize Iran’s 450-kilogram stockpile of highly enriched uranium, believed to sit under bombed-out nuclear facilities deep inside Iran. Alternatively, the US could further strike the sites from the air to ensure that Iran can’t reach the material.

Trump has not decided on any of the courses of action, said the sources.

The report came as sources familiar with US intelligence told CNN that Iran was raising military defenses on Kharg Island in anticipation of a possible US operation to seize the territory.

Tehran has been laying traps, moving military personnel and boosting air defenses amid fears of an American plan to take control of the........

© The Times of Israel