U.S. President Donald Trump is scheduled to meet with senior military leaders on Thursday to review new strategic plans for potential military action against Iran, according to reports from Axios.
The briefing, to be conducted by CENTCOM Commander Admiral Brad Cooper and Joint Chiefs Chairman General Dan Caine, indicates the administration is weighing a shift toward large-scale operations. The move is seen as an attempt to break the current diplomatic stalemate or to secure a decisive outcome in the ongoing conflict.
The Pentagon is expected to present several high-stakes operational plans: "Short and Intense" Strikes: A concentrated series of aerial strikes targeting critical Iranian infrastructure to force Tehran back to the negotiating table.
Securing the Strait of Hormuz: A proposal to seize portions of the Strait to ensure the flow of commercial shipping. Officials noted this option could require the deployment of ground forces.
Securing Nuclear Assets: A specialized mission to seize or secure Iran’s stockpile of highly enriched uranium.
President Trump reportedly views the current naval blockade of Iran as his primary leverage, describing it earlier this week as "somewhat more effective than bombing." However, sources indicate he remains open to direct military force if diplomatic flexibility does not improve.
Military planners are also preparing for potential Iranian retaliation against American forces stationed across the region should a blockade or strike be executed.
