File photo: US President Donald Trump

us President donald trump Iran faces mounting pressure over war as China returns Friday, with top aides laying out options for fresh military action against Tehran if diplomacy fails.According to a New York Times report, Pentagon officials have drafted a plan for the possible resumption of strikes as part of a renewed military campaign after “Operation Epic Fury” was halted during the ceasefire in April. However, Trump has not yet taken a final decision.“I looked at it, and if I didn’t like the first sentence I would throw it out,” Trump told reporters aboard Air Force One, referring to Iran’s latest peace proposal.The US, Israel and regional officials are trying to broker a deal that would allow Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, giving Trump a chance to claim a diplomatic breakthrough amid growing domestic criticism over the costly conflict, the report said.

Pentagon prepares options for escalation

War Secretary Pete Hegseth told lawmakers this week that the U.S. military has a “plan to surge if necessary” while also keeping options open to reducing the deployment.The report said the Pentagon has prepared several military scenarios, including an intense bombing campaign targeting Iranian military and infrastructure sites.Another option reportedly involves deploying US special operations troops to secure highly enriched uranium believed to be stored deep underground at Iran’s Isfahan nuclear facility.According to the New York Times, several hundred special operations personnel were flown to the Middle East earlier this year to prepare for such contingencies. However, officials acknowledged that any ground operation would carry “significant risk of casualties” and would require thousands of support troops.Meanwhile, Iran signaled readiness for renewed hostilities. Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf said, “Our armed forces are ready to respond appropriately to any aggression.”

The Strait of Hormuz remains a matter of central concern

The Strait of Hormuz remains at the center of the crisis, with Iran refusing to fully reopen the key oil transit route, while the US has maintained its blockade measures.Trump said after talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping that both Washington and Beijing agreed that the strait should be reopened.“We don’t want them to have nuclear weapons, we want the door open,” Trump said in Beijing.Trump said he was running out of patience with Iran and warned Tehran to “compromise.”However, China avoided publicly indicating that it would put direct pressure on Iran.Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi said Tehran was open to diplomacy, but did not trust Washington after air strikes following previous talks.

Heavy military presence remains in the area

More than 50,000 US troops, two aircraft carriers, several destroyers and numerous warplanes are deployed throughout the region.According to the report, US General Dan Kaine said that military officials “retain and will continue to have multiple options for our civilian leaders”.Despite weeks of attacks, US intelligence assessments indicate that Iran has restored access to most of its missile launch facilities and underground military infrastructure.The report also said Tehran had gained operational access to 30 of its 33 missile sites along the Strait of Hormuz.Oil prices continued to rise amid hike fears. Brent crude climbed nearly 3% to nearly $109 a barrel, while concerns over prolonged disruption to Gulf shipping routes pushed U.S. Treasury yields to their highest in almost a year.