WASHINGTON/DUBAI – The Pentagon has presented President Donald Trump with four military options for a potential “final blow” against Iran as diplomatic efforts to end the conflict show no signs of progress, according to a report by Axios citing two US officials and two sources familiar with internal discussions. The development comes as Iran has reportedly rejected a 15-point US ceasefire plan delivered through Pakistani intermediaries .
The military options focus on gaining control over strategic territory in the Strait of Hormuz, a critical waterway through which roughly one-fifth of the world’s oil passes. According to Axios, the plans include the possible invasion or blockade of Kharg Island, which handles the majority of Iran’s oil exports. Other options involve seizing Larak Island, which houses Iranian military bunkers and radar systems, as well as capturing three strategic islands near the western entrance of the strait whose sovereignty is disputed by the United Arab Emirates. A fourth option calls for blocking or seizing ships that export Iranian oil east of the strait .
The White House has indicated that Trump has not yet decided on a specific course of action. Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt told reporters on Wednesday that if Iran fails to accept the reality of its military position, the president is prepared to “unleash hell.” She added that any further violence would be the result of Iran’s refusal to reach a deal, while stating that talks with Tehran “continue” and are “productive” .
Those diplomatic efforts, however, have faced public rejection from Iranian officials. Iran’s military command has dismissed the notion of direct negotiations with Washington. Lieutenant Colonel Ebrahim Zolfaghari, a spokesman for the Khatam Al-Anbiya Central Headquarters, said in a televised statement that someone like Iran would “never come to terms” with the United States. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi also stated that Tehran does not intend to negotiate, though US officials maintain that contacts continue through intermediary nations .
Iranian officials have expressed deep suspicion of the American proposal. According to Axios, representatives from Tehran told mediators from Pakistan, Egypt, and Turkey that the recent deployment of major US troop reinforcements has increased their belief that the offer for peace talks is a ruse. Iran has pointed to previous instances during the Trump administration when attacks occurred amid ongoing diplomatic discussions .
As the diplomatic track remains stalled, the US military presence in the region is growing. At least 1,000 troops from the 82nd Airborne Division are expected to arrive in the coming days, adding to two Marine units already deploying that will bring approximately 5,000 Marines and thousands of sailors to the area. The moves are intended to give the president “max flexibility” regarding next steps, according to a person familiar with the plans .
On the ground, Iran has begun fortifying key positions. Reports indicate that Iranian forces have laid anti-personnel and anti-armour mines around Kharg Island to counter a potential amphibious assault. Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf warned in a post on X that if enemy nations take action against Iran’s islands, “all the vital infrastructure of that regional country will be relentlessly targeted without any restrictions” .
The conflict, now nearing its fourth week, began with US and Israeli strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities on February 28. Fighting has since expanded to include daily missile and drone exchanges. Iran has maintained pressure on Gulf Arab neighbors, and an attack this week sparked a fire at Kuwait International Airport after a drone struck a fuel tank .
Oil prices have remained volatile throughout the conflict, with Brent crude nearing $120 per barrel before stabilizing near $100 as ceasefire talks emerged, though prices remain roughly 40% higher than before the war began .