Tensions Spike: Iranian Drone Hits Ship in Egypt as U.S. Weighs Major Strikes on Iran

The Wall Street Journal reported today (Thursday) that the commander of U.S. Central Command, Adm. Brad Cooper, has formulated a 10-to-14-day war plan for Iran. The central element of the plan: severely damaging Iran's missile capabilities. <\/p>

According to the plan submitted for approval by the U.S. military's senior command, Cooper's approach is that strikes must be significantly escalated in an effort to bring about a change in Iran's position. It was not reported whether the plan was presented to U.S. President Donald Trump. The report noted that the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Gen. Dan Caine, has reservations about the possibility of renewed fighting.<\/p>

Meanwhile, The New York Times reported that Adm. Cooper said that if Trump does not intend to expand the fighting in Iran, strikes in the Strait of Hormuz area should be halted. In his view, the move has already exhausted its effectiveness. U.S. military officials said that "the strike in Iran overnight was extensive and had a significant impact. The strike was roughly twice as large in intensity and scope as previous operations."<\/p>

Iranian Drone Hits American Ship at Egyptian Port<\/b><\/p>

Egypt confirmed this morning that the explosion at Damietta Port last night, and the damage to two gas storage tankers, were caused by an explosive drone attack. According to Reuters, the drone was launched by Iran or a militia operating under the direction of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. Maritime security company Ambrey reported that one of the two damaged ships is U.S.-owned. <\/p>

According to the news agency's report, the drone struck a tanker called Energos Winter. It caught fire, and the flames spread to the second tanker, Gaslog Salem. Ambrey said the crews were evacuated and that the fire had been brought under control. So far, no party has claimed responsibility for the attack.<\/p>

However, The New York Times reported that "Iranian officials said that a drone struck the gas tankers at Damietta Port in Egypt. "The goal was to prove that Iran is capable of disrupting international shipping routes far more deeply."<\/p>

Amid fears of escalation, the Pakistani Foreign Ministry spokesperson issued a statement saying: "Islamabad is doing everything it can to resume negotiations between the United States and Iran. Discussions between Tehran and Washington are continuing regarding the situation in the Strait of Hormuz and reducing tensions. We encourage Tehran and Washington to exercise restraint and work through dialogue to implement the memorandum of understanding."<\/p>