April 30, 2026 — CNN has exclusively reported that the US military is developing detailed operational plans to strike Iran’s defensive positions along the Strait of Hormuz should ceasefire negotiations collapse. The disclosure has intensified market fears of a further deterioration in the Middle East.

Military Plan Details

According to CNN, the US operational预案 includes precision strikes against Iranian coastal air defense systems, anti-ship missile installations, and mine deployment zones along the strait. These facilities form the core of Iran’s ability to control maritime traffic through the Hormuz waterway.

Sources described the plan as a “short and powerful” strike operation, designed to degrade Iran’s strait control capabilities in the shortest possible timeframe and restore international shipping passage.

Diplomatic Efforts in Parallel

Alongside military preparations, diplomatic channels remain active. The Wall Street Journal reported that the United States is proposing a new coalition framework to allied nations aimed at jointly securing shipping through the Strait of Hormuz. The US proposal envisions a multinational escort mechanism to ensure the safe passage of commercial vessels through the world’s most critical oil transit chokepoint.

However, the initiative faces significant challenges. Some allies remain cautious about direct participation in military operations against Iran, fearing escalation into a broader regional conflict.

Global Energy Markets Under Pressure

The Strait of Hormuz carries approximately 20% of global oil supply. Since Iran tightened its blockade of the strait, international oil prices have surged from around $80 per barrel before the conflict to above $120.

BBC reported that if the US launches strikes against Iran’s Hormuz defenses, it could trigger further Iranian retaliation, including a complete closure of the strait or attacks on nearby US military bases. Such a scenario would cause even more severe disruption to global energy markets.

Iran’s Position

Trump has publicly rejected Iran’s de-escalation proposal, stating that the blockade will remain until a nuclear deal is reached. Iran, for its part, has signaled that any attack on its Hormuz defensive installations would be treated as an act of full-scale war.

Analysts view the current situation as a dangerous standoff: the US seeks to use military pressure to force Iran back to negotiations, while Iran is unwilling to concede on what it considers core interests. This “game of chicken” dynamic makes the outcome highly unpredictable.

Source: CNN, BBC, Wall Street Journal