The United States Targets Iran's New Goal, Prepares to Resume Strikes

U.S. officials told media outlets on May 27 that the Department of Defense has compiled a target list for potential military strikes inside Iran, in preparation for a possible decision by President Donald Trump to resume U.S. military action against the Islamic Republic. However, independent analysts caution that launching new strikes would face far greater challenges than previous operations targeting Iran. NBC News reports the Pentagon is weighing labeling a resumed military campaign "Operation Mjolnir," with targets including Iran’s Natanz and Isfahan nuclear facilities—sites targeted in a U.S. airstrike last June—as well as strategic oil installations on Kharg Island, power plants, military command centers, and communication infrastructure. Sources familiar with the plans noted that many of Iran’s previously struck targets fell into the "low-hanging fruit" category, as they were either stationary or not deeply buried in fortified bunkers. But current targets, such as mobile missile launchers and drones, are now more concealed, making them significantly harder to locate and hit with precision, per these sources.