The Battle for Hormuz: Why the IDF is Building a Target Bank for Trump’s Next Move

Military preparations between Israel and the United States have entered a high-readiness phase as the two allies coordinate on a potential ground and air operation targeting the Strait of Hormuz. According to senior security officials, the Israeli Defense Forces’ Intelligence Directorate is currently assisting the United States by providing high-quality, precise data on the Strait, its adjacent islands, and the strategic oil hub of Kharg Island. This cooperation comes amid reports that the U.S. is preparing for a possible commando raid if diplomatic efforts fail to yield a breakthrough within the timeframe set by President Donald Trump. While the plans involve exclusively American boots on the ground for any potential landing, Israel is playing a critical role in defining the targets and maximizing the pressure on the Iranian regime during this narrow window of opportunity.

The Battle for Tehran and the Energy Frontier

The Iranian regime has begun characterizing this current stage of the war as the "Battle for Tehran," reflecting a desperate effort to consolidate its remaining military assets. In response to the daily waves of strikes involving hundreds of aircraft, Iranian commanders have ordered all remaining air defense systems to be moved toward the capital to protect high-value government and industrial assets. Meanwhile, the U.S. and Israel are finalizing plans to strike Iranian energy infrastructure if President Trump decides to follow through on his latest warnings. A senior Israeli security official noted that while the military cannot reach "every last missile," the goal is to inflict such significant economic and military damage that the regime is forced to accept a new reality, particularly regarding its nuclear ambitions.

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt recently dismissed Iranian denials of a diplomatic channel, confirming that "negotiations with Iran are continuing and proceeding well," despite what the regime says in public. She emphasized that joint forces already maintain total air dominance, which provides the necessary leverage for these high-stakes discussions. Israeli officials believe they are close to achieving their primary war goals but are now focused on deepening those achievements to provide President Trump with maximum leverage. The focus remains on ensuring that any final settlement accounts for all of Israel's security needs, with the understanding that the war will only conclude once Iran has suffered a truly irreversible blow to its military and economic power.