US-Iran Conflict: Trump Prepares ‘Phase 2’ as Strait of Hormuz Remains Blocked

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Military operation against Iran, dubbed “Epic Fury,” entered its third week as President Donald Trump signaled a willingness to escalate the conflict despite international calls for de-escalation. Trump stated on Saturday, “I believe we’ve won. I don’t want a ceasefire, you don’t make those when you’re destroying the enemy,” asserting American military superiority in the ongoing confrontation.

A central point of contention remains Iran’s blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, a vital waterway for global oil shipments, disrupting approximately 20% of the world’s crude oil supply. Trump downplayed the impact on the U.S., stating, “We don’t use the Strait. It’s for Europe, China, Japan. At some point it will open on its own.” He simultaneously criticized NATO allies for failing to contribute to a proposed international coalition, labeling them “cowards.”

Indications of a potential second phase of the offensive are emerging. According to CBS News, the Pentagon has prepared detailed plans for the deployment of U.S. Ground forces. This follows authorization granted to the United States by the United Kingdom to utilize British bases for raids against Iranian targets, now extended to include defensive operations targeting Iranian capabilities used to attack shipping in the Strait of Hormuz.

Iran’s Foreign Minister, Abbas Araghchi, swiftly condemned the UK’s decision, stating, “The vast majority of the British people do not want to be involved in the war of Israel and the U.S. Against Iran.” Araghchi warned British Prime Minister Keir Starmer that allowing the use of UK bases for aggression against Iran risked British lives, asserting Iran’s right to self-defense.

The President’s statements have been inconsistent, at times denying intentions to deploy troops while leaving the possibility open. However, the U.S. Military is positioning assets that would allow for a rapid shift in strategy. White House Deputy Press Secretary Anna Kelly stated that, “The U.S. Armed forces can seize the island of Kharg at any time if the president gives the order,” highlighting the island’s critical role in Iran’s oil infrastructure.

The Pentagon is deploying three warships and additional Marines to the Middle East, marking a second troop deployment to the region in recent days. The USS Boxer amphibious ready group, with approximately 2,200 Marines from the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit, originally slated for the Indo-Pacific region, has had its mission redirected and accelerated. This follows the earlier deployment of the Tripoli amphibious ready group, also with 2,200 Marines, which was observed near Singapore earlier this week.

U.S. And allied air operations have been increased to neutralize Iranian naval assets, mines, and cruise missiles. A-10 Thunderbolt II aircraft are flying low-altitude missions over the Strait of Hormuz to interdict Iranian attack vessels, while Apache attack helicopters are being used to target drones, according to General Dan Caine, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.

General Caine explained in a press conference, “An A-10 Warthog is deployed on the southern flank, and strikes fast attack vessels in the Strait of Hormuz and Apaches are now participating in operations.” He added that some allied nations are deploying their own Apache helicopters “to strike loitering attack drones.” The Pentagon reports that U.S. Airstrikes have destroyed or damaged over 120 Iranian naval units.

Despite these gains, Iran retains a substantial arsenal of truck-mounted missiles and hundreds of vessels concealed in underground sites along its coastline and on islands, according to Farzim Nadimi, an analyst at the Institute for Near East Policy. Nadimi anticipates that several more weeks will be required to fully reopen the Strait of Hormuz.