The officials did not provide details of these secret operations, but several options have been considered: More cyber attacks, disabling Iranian boats, or the more on-the-ground approach of spreading false information so as to undermine support for the Iranian regime. They stated that the CIA has secret plans to respond to Iranian provocation.
The Americans' goal is to develop capabilities for a cyber attack as allegedly carried out last Thursday. These moves by the US come after tensions grew between the countries due to Iran's attacks of the Persian Gulf oil tankers and the downing of a US drone.
The cyber attacks were aimed at an Iranian intelligence group that the US is sure is standing behind the attack on the tankers. The intention was to shut down Iranian computers that control rockets and launch missiles, according to the Washington Post.