Trump to receive Pentagon briefing on possible new military action against Iran: Axios
Note: AI technology was used to generate this article’s audio.
- Trump to review fresh military options from US Central Command on Thursday.
- Plans reportedly include strikes, Hormuz intervention, and uranium-site operations.
US President Donald Trump is set to receive a high-level Pentagon briefing on Thursday outlining potential new military options against Iran, according to Axios, in a sign that Washington may be weighing renewed escalation after stalled negotiations.
The briefing will be delivered by US Central Command Commander Admiral Brad Cooper, with Joint Chiefs Chairman General Dan Caine also expected to attend, according to sources familiar with the matter.
The meeting is expected to focus on military scenarios that could increase pressure on Tehran and potentially force renewed flexibility in nuclear negotiations.
Proposed strike options
According to the report, one of the plans prepared by CENTCOM involves a “short and powerful” wave of strikes targeting Iranian infrastructure.
The objective would be to break the current diplomatic deadlock and push Iran back to negotiations under increased pressure.
Sources cited by Axios said military planners believe a rapid escalation could alter Tehran’s negotiating posture on the nuclear issue.
Strait of Hormuz operation under discussion
Another option reportedly under consideration involves taking operational control of part of the Strait of Hormuz to reopen the vital commercial shipping route.
Such a mission could potentially involve ground forces, according to one source familiar with the discussions.
The strategic waterway remains central to global oil transit, and any expanded US military role there would carry significant geopolitical consequences.
Uranium stockpile scenario
Military officials are also said to be reviewing a possible special forces operation aimed at securing Iran’s stockpile of highly enriched uranium.
Such a scenario would represent one of the most sensitive and high-risk options under review.
Trump weighs next steps
Trump told Axios on Wednesday that he views the naval blockade on Iran as “somewhat more effective than the bombing.”
Sources said the president currently sees the blockade as his main source of leverage but remains open to renewed military action if Tehran refuses to compromise.
US military planners are also assessing the possibility of Iranian retaliation against American forces stationed across the region.
Echoes of pre-war planning
The reported briefing recalls a similar presentation Cooper delivered to Trump on February 26, just two days before the United States and ‘Israel’ launched military operations against Iran.
According to one source cited by Axios, that earlier briefing played a significant role in shaping Trump’s decision to initiate the campaign.
