International
-Gaurav Sharma
Speculation over new US strikes on Iran is intensifying after a cryptic Truth Social post from US President Donald Trump and reports of fresh military planning. Officials quoted by American media say Washington is working on contingency options with Israel, in case talks with Tehran break down and diplomacy no longer holds.
According to officials cited by The New York Times, the US and Israel have already begun preparing for potential renewed strikes. These plans are described as the most extensive since the conflict in the Middle East began on February 28. Trump, however, has not yet given a final decision on whether such action will actually proceed.
The US and Israel are reportedly preparing contingency plans for potential renewed strikes on Iran, possibly under “Operation Sledgehammer,” targeting nuclear facilities amid concerns over the Strait of Hormuz and following President Trump’s cryptic social media post.
Planning and operations for US strikes on Iran
NBC News reported that any new operations could be carried out under a different label, “Operation Sledgehammer”, according to officials. The new name would separate possible strikes from an earlier campaign called “Operation Epic Fury”. It would also help avoid falling under the 60-day approval requirement in the 1973 War Powers Resolution.
If Trump authorises renewed strikes, US forces could again hit Iranian military facilities and key infrastructure, The New York Times reported. Targets could include Iran’s nuclear sites, which remain a central focus for US planners. The report also noted that American Special Operations units might be deployed on the ground for certain tasks.
Trump Truth Social post and signals on US strikes on Iran
Amid these discussions, Trump posted an image on Truth Social that appeared to be AI-generated. The graphic showed Trump pointing directly at the viewer, standing in front of warships in rough seas. Several ships carried Iranian flags and the caption read: “It was the calm before the storm.” A US Navy admiral stood beside Trump, with more vessels behind.
Another major concern for Washington is the Strait of Hormuz, a vital shipping passage where around 20 to 25 per cent of global crude exports move. Trump has repeatedly argued that Hormuz must stay open to international traffic. Iran, by contrast, has insisted that Tehran should exercise full control over the narrow waterway.
Iran response to possible US strikes on Iran
Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, who serves as the Islamic Republic’s lead negotiator in talks with the US, warned that Iran’s armed forces are “ready to deliver a well-deserved response to any aggression.” Ghalibaf later wrote on X: “Mistaken strategy and mistaken decisions will always lead to mistaken results. The whole world has already figured this out. We are prepared for all options; they will be surprised,” he added.
