Pentagon Prepares List of Potential Iran Targets for Future Strikes: Report

WASHINGTON, May 27: The United States is reportedly preparing contingency plans for further military action against Iran, even as tensions remain high following recent strikes and ceasefire-related accusations, according to multiple US media reports.

A report by NBC News said the Pentagon has drawn up a list of potential remaining targets inside Iran, though officials noted that any future strikes would be significantly more difficult due to concealment tactics and the mobility of targeted assets. The report added that if President Donald Trump authorizes renewed military operations, identifying and striking these targets would pose greater operational challenges than earlier actions.

Separately, former US ambassador-at-large for counterterrorism Nathan Sales accused Iran of repeatedly violating a ceasefire, claiming on Fox News that Iranian forces were “caught red-handed” attempting to lay mines in the Strait of Hormuz. He said the alleged actions prompted US strikes and were carried out in response to perceived threats against American forces.

In another report, The New York Times cited US officials as saying Iranian forces carried out a series of potentially hostile military maneuvers in the 24 hours leading up to the latest US strikes in southern Iran. These included drone activity near US naval vessels and the deployment of speedboats suspected of preparing mine-laying operations in the strategic Strait of Hormuz.

The officials also reported increased Iranian missile and air defense activity near the Strait, which they said raised concerns about possible threats to US aircraft operating in the region.

The developments come amid escalating rhetoric between Washington and Tehran, with heightened military alertness in and around the Gulf region.