Trump to Get Fresh Military Options on Iran from Top US Commander: Axios

Donald Trump is set to receive a high-level briefing on Thursday from Brad Cooper, head of United States Central Command (CENTCOM), on new military options against Iran, according to an Axios report citing unnamed sources.

Neither the White House nor CENTCOM immediately responded to requests for comment.

According to the report, CENTCOM has developed a plan for a “short and powerful” wave of strikes targeting Iranian infrastructure. The proposals come despite a fragile ceasefire in the ongoing conflict, which began on February 28 when the United States and Israel launched attacks on Iran. Tehran retaliated with strikes on Israel and Gulf states hosting US military bases.

The conflict has resulted in thousands of deaths and mass displacement, with Israeli strikes also extending into Lebanon. Trump has previously warned of targeting Iran’s civilian infrastructure — a move international law experts caution could violate the Geneva Conventions, which prohibit attacks on essential civilian facilities.

Another option expected to be presented involves securing parts of the Strait of Hormuz to restore commercial shipping. The chokepoint handles roughly 20% of global oil and LNG flows, but traffic has slowed significantly amid the conflict. Such an operation could potentially involve ground forces.

Additional plans include a possible special forces mission to secure Iran’s stockpile of highly enriched uranium. Trump has repeatedly described Iran’s nuclear programme as an imminent threat, while Tehran maintains its activities are for peaceful purposes under the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty.

The briefing is also expected to be attended by Dan Caine, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.

The war — unpopular domestically in the US — has rattled global markets and pushed up oil prices, with Washington reportedly hoping increased pressure will force Iran to make concessions in nuclear negotiations.