PRECIOUS METALS | Trump Leans Toward Expanding Military Action Against Iran, Including Seizing Kharg Island, WSJ Reports

According to the Wall Street Journal, U.S. President Donald Trump is leaning toward expanding U.S. military operations against Iran, days after a brief meeting with senior aides. According to Jin10, potential options include intensifying airstrikes, deploying ground forces to seize Iranian islands near the Strait of Hormuz, and bombing a fortified site possibly used for secret nuclear work. On Tuesday evening local time, Trump held a Situation Room meeting to discuss the deployment of U.S. troops to seize Kharg Island and other Iranian territory along the Strait of Hormuz, as well as possible airstrikes on a nuclear-related target at Mount Piksar in Iran that has not yet been locked by the U.S. Additionally, U.S. forces may continue airstrikes on more Iranian targets, including energy facilities. Trump has not made a final decision on next steps. Both privately and publicly, he has expressed a preference for resolving the dispute with Iran through diplomatic means. Some U.S. officials said Trump is reluctant to send ground forces.