Donald Trump will be briefed on Thursday by Brad Cooper, head of United States Central Command (CENTCOM), on new military options against Iran, Axios reported, citing unnamed sources.
Officials from the White House and CENTCOM did not immediately comment.
The proposed options reportedly include a “short and powerful” wave of strikes targeting Iranian infrastructure, even as a fragile ceasefire holds in the conflict that began on February 28, when the United States and Israel launched attacks on Iran. Tehran responded with strikes on Israel and Gulf states hosting US bases, while Israeli operations also expanded into Lebanon.
The war has killed thousands and displaced millions. Trump has previously threatened to target Iran’s civilian infrastructure — a move legal experts warn could violate the Geneva Conventions, which protect essential civilian sites.
Another option under consideration involves securing parts of the Strait of Hormuz to restore commercial shipping. The chokepoint, which carries about 20% of global oil and LNG flows, has seen traffic nearly grind to a halt amid the conflict. Such an operation could involve ground forces.
The briefing may also cover a potential special forces mission to secure Iran’s stockpile of highly enriched uranium. While Trump has described Iran’s nuclear programme as an imminent threat, Tehran says its activities are peaceful and permitted under the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty.
Dan Caine, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, is also expected to attend the briefing.
The conflict, which remains unpopular in the US, has unsettled global markets and driven up oil prices, with Washington aiming to pressure Iran into concessions in nuclear talks.
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