Countdown to chaos: Trump prepared to unleash "Hell" by targeting 3 strategic islands – Iran's chilling response: "You won't leave alive"

Feverish activity prevails at the Pentagon as Axios reports that a "final blow" against Iran is now being considered. This plan could involve the use of ground forces and an extensive aerial campaign, according to two US officials and sources familiar with the strategy.

A dramatic military escalation is becoming increasingly likely if no progress is made in diplomatic talks, especially if the Strait of Hormuz remains closed. Some US officials believe an overwhelming show of force to end the conflict would create leverage in peace negotiations or simply provide Trump with a decisive victory to declare. Iran also has a say in how the war concludes, and many of the scenarios discussed could prolong and intensify the conflict rather than bringing it to a swift end.

Trump to Iran: Get serious before it's too late

US President Donald Trump, in a new message, has called on the Iranians to "get serious" quickly before it is too late, warning that the time for a deal is running out.

"The Iranian negotiators are very different and strange. They beg us to make a deal, which they should do after being militarily destroyed without any chance of recovery, and yet publicly they state they are merely studying our proposal. WRONG!!!" Trump wrote on Truth Social. "They better get serious soon, because once it happens, THERE IS NO GOING BACK, and it won't be pretty," he added.

Notably, Trump has not revealed who the US is negotiating with, as Tehran categorically denies having any talks. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi admitted that messages have been exchanged via mediators, but insisted this does not constitute actual negotiations. Furthermore, Trump attacked NATO, claiming the alliance has done "absolutely nothing" to assist the US against the "paranoid state" of Iran.

The options presented to Trump

According to Axios, officials have outlined four primary "final blow" options for the President:

• Invasion or blockade of Kharg Island, Iran's primary oil export hub.

• Invasion of Larak, an island critical for Iran's control over the Strait of Hormuz. This stronghold houses bunkers, attack boats, and radar systems used to monitor shipping.

• Seizure of Abu Musa and two smaller islands near the western entrance of the strait, which are controlled by Iranbut claimed by the UAE.

• Blockade or seizure of tankers exporting Iranian oil from the eastern side of the strait.

The strategy

The Pentagon has also prepared plans for ground operations deep within the Iranian interior to seize highly enriched uranium from nuclear facilities. As an alternative to such a high-risk mission, the US could conduct massive airstrikeson these sites to prevent Iran from accessing the material.

While Trump has not yet made a final decision, White House officials describe ground operations as "hypothetical." However, sources suggest he is ready to escalate if talks do not yield tangible results soon. Trump may first implement his threat to bomb power plants in Iran, a move for which Tehran has promised massive retaliation across the entire Gulf. Meanwhile, a large number of US military transports are reportedly moving from Germany and Poland toward Israel tonight, signaling an imminent escalation.

The warning

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt warned on Wednesday (March 25, 2026) that Trump is ready to strike "harder than ever." "The President is not bluffing and is ready to unleash hell. Iran must not miscalculate again... any violence from here on out will be because the Iranian regime refuses to reach a deal," Leavitt stated.

Reinforcements arriving

Further reinforcements, including several fighter squadrons and thousands of troops, are expected in the Middle East in the coming days. A Marine unit is arriving this week, and the command element of the 82nd Airborne Division has been ordered to move to the region alongside an infantry brigade.

Conversely, Iranian officials view these "negotiation efforts" as a pretext for surprise attacks. Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf stated on X that Iranian intelligence suggests "enemies, supported by a regional country (likely the UAE), are preparing an operation to seize an Iranian island." He warned that any such action would result in the "merciless targeting" of that country's critical infrastructure.

US military C-17A Globemaster III over the UAE

A US military C-17A Globemaster III transport aircraft was spotted over the United Arab Emirates, in flights that international media link to a possible ground operation. Distinguished Russian pilot Vladimir Popov told "Gazeta.Ru" that the aircraft could be transporting saboteurs or paratroopers for reconnaissance or training missions.

The "angle" signal

Popov noted that the sharp angle of the aircraft's trajectory suggests training rather than an immediate mission. "This is part of tactical training. It cannot be ruled out that it concerns future offensive operations in Iran, but not today," he added. On March 26, RIA Novosti reported that flight data analysis indicates maneuvers consistent with preparation for a ground operation. In Russia, a US ground invasion is increasingly viewed as "inevitable."

Axis of Resistance counter-attack scenario at Bab el-Mandab

The Ansarullah (Houthi) movement in Yemen is reportedly ready to seize control of the Bab al-Mandab Strait to further punish enemies, according to the Tasnim news agency. Sources state that the Houthis are on full alert. "If there is a need to control the strait, the heroes of Yemen are fully ready," the source said, emphasizing that Iran has the capability to create a credible threat in the Red Sea.

Military sources warned that if the US takes provocative measures in southern Iran, "new fronts will open that will surprise the enemy," doubling the cost of the war for Washington.

Wall Street Journal: US planning ground operation within days

The Wall Street Journal also reports on the invasion scenario. American journalist Alex Ward, citing three Republicansin Congress—including the chairs of the House and Senate Armed Services Committees—estimates that a ground attackis imminent, potentially beginning within the next few days.

US risks heavy losses

The Tasnim news agency reported that any attempt to seize Kharg would meet an "unprecedented" response. Iranian analyst Morteza Simiari stated that Tehran is ready to take control of coastal areas in Bahrain and the UAE. CNN also reported that Iran has been "setting traps" and moving additional forces to Kharg Island.

"The Iranians are smart and relentless. They will do everything to cause maximum casualties to US troops," warned former NATO Supreme Allied Commander James Stavridis. Analysts speaking to Responsible Statecraft emphasized that a ground operation could lead to a long-term strategic quagmire with heavy losses.

Low morale

Furthermore, morale among some US troops is reportedly low, as many see no reason for the war. John Byrnes of Concerned Veterans for America expressed concern that what generals believe will take a week could take months, resulting in constant American casualties. James Webb, a former national security advisor, warned that Iran'smountainous terrain could become a "logistical nightmare" for invaders. Retired Lt. Col. Earl Rasmussen added that a ground operation could last "months, if not years."

Ali Jahanshahi (Iran Ground Forces Commander): Ready for any scenario

Ground war will be "more dangerous and costly for the enemy," claimed Brigadier General Ali Jahanshahi. "The enemy must know that a ground war will be unrepairable for them," he stated, adding that every inch of Iranian geography is protected. The Mehr news agency added that special forces and guerrilla units are ready to deliver a "painful blow" to the Americans as the war escalates.

www.bankingnews.gr