The US Central Command (CENTCOM) has developed plans for a short and powerful wave of strikes against Iran, likely focusing on key infrastructure, according to an Axios report. President Donald Trump is scheduled to receive a briefing on these new military options on Thursday.
Briefing Details
The briefing, led by CENTCOM Commander Admiral Brad Cooper, indicates that Trump is considering resuming major combat operations. This could be aimed at breaking the deadlock in ongoing negotiations or delivering a decisive blow before ending the conflict.
Plans Under Consideration
According to the report, CENTCOM has drawn up a plan for a short and powerful wave of strikes on Iran, intended to push Tehran back to the negotiating table with greater flexibility on the nuclear issue. Another option involves taking control of parts of the Strait of Hormuz to reopen it to commercial shipping, potentially requiring the deployment of ground forces. A further proposal includes a special forces operation to secure Iran's stockpile of highly enriched uranium.
Trump's Stance
Trump told Axios on Wednesday that he views the ongoing naval blockade against Iran as somewhat more effective than bombing. Sources cited in the report said the US president currently sees the blockade as his primary leverage but remains open to military action if Iran does not yield.
Retaliation Risks
US military planners are also assessing the possibility of Iranian retaliation against American forces in the region in response to the blockade. Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff General Dan Caine is also expected to attend the briefing, sources said.
Background
The development comes against the backdrop of a similar briefing delivered by Cooper on February 26, two days before the US and Israel launched military operations against Iran. One source close to Trump told Axios that the earlier briefing played a role in the decision to go to war. The White House did not respond to requests for comment.
