Pentagon Develops Crushing Blow Options Against Iran, Including Ground Forces

The US moved more than 150 military aircraft, the largest build-up in over two decades.

“Colonel Nidal Abu Zaid, a military and strategic expert, said that the current scene reflects a complex deadlock between the military and diplomatic tracks, with a clear failure to achieve any real breakthrough, which puts the region at a pivotal moment that could redraw the rules of engagement”

Al-Jazeera Net

The USS Gerald R. Ford arrived at Souda Bay, joining more than ten warships in the region.

Al-Jazeera Net

Bombing focused on a geographic triangle from Hormozgan to Shiraz to Kermanshah.

Colonel Abu Zaid said the scene reflects a zero-sum stalemate.

The forty-eight hours ahead may witness a shift to a wide-scale strike.

Axios reported the Pentagon is working on options to carry out a crushing blow.

Options include invading or blockading Kharg Island and Larak Island.

BBC

Other options involve controlling Emirati islands occupied by Iran.

The US military prepared plans to seize highly enriched uranium.

The likelihood of sharp escalation increases if there is no diplomatic progress.

Iranian and American negotiators held indirect talks in Geneva.

“(CNN) — As the United States continues to massively bolster its military presence in the Middle East, Iran has taken steps indicating its readiness for war, including fortifying its nuclear sites and rebuilding missile production facilities”

CNN Arabic

The talks ended without a clear resolution.

Iran declared the Strait of Hormuz closed and launched missile strikes on Israel.

Iran fortified nuclear sites and rebuilt missile production facilities.

The military and diplomatic tracks remain in a complex deadlock.