US weighs strikes on Iran as Hormuz traffic hits multi-month low

The US Pentagon has prepared a three-day intensive strike plan against Iranian missile, drone, energy, and IRGC command targets, deploying three carrier strike groups and 20,000 troops. President Trump has reportedly deferred any strike until after the midterm elections, citing 'productive discussions' with Tehran, despite escalating Iranian attacks on Gulf shipping. This creates a near-term de-escalation in direct US military action but maintains high readiness and long-term uncertainty.