TRUMP WEIGHS LIMITED STRIKES ON IRAN TO PROTECT SHIPS AND AIRCRAFT IN STRAIT OF HORMUZ . (PHOTO).

 Trump weighs limited strikes on Iran to protect ships and aircraft in Strait of Hormuz 

President Donald Trump and senior administration officials are weighing limited U.S. strikes against Iranian military positions in the Strait of Hormuz to prevent Tehran from rebuilding radar, air defense and anti-ship missile systems that could threaten vessels, according to U.S. officials.

The plan was developed by U.S. Central Command over the past week and has received support from Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, but Trump had not approved the strikes before a new round of fighting with Iran over the weekend. The proposal is intended to reduce the threat to oil tankers, U.S. Navy ships and military aircraft operating in the strategically important waterway.

The U.S. military has spent the past two months weakening Iranian military capabilities in the Strait of Hormuz, clearing mines and helping guide ships through the passage. The effort has reduced Iran’s ability to target tankers and allowed more commercial traffic and oil exports to move through the strait.

U.S. officials have become increasingly concerned that Iran is rebuilding radar, air defense and anti-ship missile capabilities that could improve its ability to target ships. One recent incident involved an Iranian anti-aircraft missile launched toward a U.S. F-35 fighter jet providing protection for vessels in the strait. The missile did not pose a direct threat to the aircraft, but U.S. officials viewed the launch as evidence that Iran was restoring some of its military capabilities.

CENTCOM has warned Hegseth, Joint Chiefs Chairman Gen. Dan Caine and the White House that periodic strikes could be necessary to help keep oil tankers moving safely through the Gulf. Hegseth supported the proposal and sent it to the White House several days ago.

Administration officials said the White House had been reluctant to approve the strikes last week because of concerns about further escalating tensions with Iran. However, Iran's ballistic missile attacks on U.S. bases in Jordan on Sunday could affect Trump's decision. The attacks followed a U.S. strike on Iranian forces that were preparing to launch rockets equipped with mines into the strait.

Trump said Monday that the United States would respond to the Iranian attacks and warned that the response would be forceful. The White House has maintained that the president retains all available options as the administration continues to pursue a possible agreement with Iran.