CENTCOM to brief Trump on new Iran military options, Axios reports

President Donald Trump will receive a briefing on Thursday from CENTCOM Commander Adm. Brad Cooper regarding new plans for potential military action against Iran, Axios reported, citing sources. The briefing signals that Trump is seriously considering a return to large-scale combat operations—either to break the stalemate in negotiations or to deliver a final blow before ending the war. CENTCOM has devised a plan for a “short and intense” series of strikes on Iranian infrastructure, aimed at pushing Tehran back to the negotiating table with greater flexibility on the nuclear issue.

New operational proposals

Another proposal expected to be presented focuses on seizing control of part of the Strait of Hormuz to reopen it for commercial shipping, an operation that could involve ground forces. A further option previously discussed—and possibly raised again—is a special forces mission to secure Iran’s stockpile of highly enriched uranium. Trump told Axios on Wednesday that he views the naval blockade of Iran as “somewhat more effective than bombing,” though he remains open to military action if Iran does not yield. Joint Chiefs Chairman Gen. Dan Caine is also expected to attend the briefing.