U.S. Plans Targeted Strikes on Iran Infrastructure Amid Maritime Coalition Push

President Donald Trump has been briefed by U.S. Central Command leader Brad Cooper on plans for a "short and powerful" wave of military strikes targeting Iranian infrastructure. The proposed operation comes as the administration intensifies its "maximum pressure" campaign, with the President recently describing the ongoing naval blockade as a measure to make the Iranian economy "choke." Global oil prices have reached four-year highs as the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz persists. Simultaneously, the State Department and Pentagon are moving to establish the Maritime Freedom Construct (MFC), a joint initiative aimed at restoring navigation in the region. While Secretary of State Marco Rubio has signaled a desire for international participation, European allies have shown reluctance. Tensions have been exacerbated by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s criticisms of NATO inaction and reports that the administration is considering troop reductions in Germany following frictions with Chancellor Friedrich Merz. On the diplomatic front, back-channel efforts appear stalled. Vice President JD Vance reportedly cancelled two scheduled trips to Pakistan intended for talks regarding Iran after Tehran expressed doubts over U.S. intentions. In Iran, Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf accused the U.S. of using the blockade to incite internal collapse. Meanwhile, regional instability continues as Israeli strikes in Lebanon killed one soldier and wounded two others, marking the first such casualties since the extension of the Israel-Hezbollah ceasefire.