Admiral Brad Cooper, the head of US Central Command (CENTCOM), is due to brief the American president on Thursday on a range of potential military responses to Tehran, including short-term devastating strikes, a possible intervention in the Strait of Hormuz, and a special forces operation to seize Iranian uranium stockpiles.
The commander of the CENTCOM Admiral Brad Cooper is expected to present the American leader with a series of possible courses of action against Tehran on Thursday.
The chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, General Dan Caine, is also anticipated to attend the briefing.
According to sources familiar with the matter, CENTCOM has drawn up plans for short-term, high-intensity strikes on Iranian infrastructure. The aim of such operations would be to break the current deadlock in nuclear negotiations and compel Tehran to show greater flexibility.
An alternative option under consideration involves taking partial control of the Strait of Hormuz to restore commercial shipping lanes – a move that could require the deployment of ground forces.
In addition, the possibility of a special forces operation to seize Iran’s stockpiles of highly enriched uranium has been discussed. Notably, the US president has previously remarked: “I consider a naval blockade of Iran somewhat more effective than bombing.”
At present, Washington views a blockade as the primary lever of pressure. Nevertheless, a military scenario has not been ruled out if Tehran refuses to make concessions. American military planners are also assessing the risks of Iranian retaliation against US forces in the region should a blockade be imposed.
The White House has not yet commented on the situation.
