US military asks troops for ‘unconventional’ ideas to punish Iran: CNN reports

• CNN reports US military officials are seeking “creative” options to pressure Iran as Trump weighs further action in the conflict.

A senior US military officer has asked analysts for “new creative and unconventional ways” to pressure Iran, according to sources familiar with an email sent by a US Central Command (CENTCOM) intelligence official, CNN reported.

The message, described by officials as an unusual crowdsourcing-style request, sought ideas on how to deal with Iran as the Trump administration weighs its next moves in the conflict. A second source said a senior CENTCOM officer sent the request last week, as the command reassesses its strategy.

“U.S. Central Command has a long history of thinking and working in innovative ways,” CENTCOM spokesperson Capt. Timothy Hawkins said in a statement, adding that Adm. Cooper encourages input from personnel across ranks to achieve operational performance.

The request came before President Donald Trump threatened further strikes on Iran, before later calling them off following appeals from regional leaders, including Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, according to CNN.

The US has carried out weeks of airstrikes aimed at weakening Iran’s ability to threaten shipping in the Strait of Hormuz and pushing Tehran back to negotiations, but no agreement has been reached.

CNN reported that Trump has been considering expanding the military campaign, including possible strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities. However, sources familiar with planning said US officials believe airstrikes alone may not be enough to eliminate deeply buried facilities, potentially raising the prospect of a ground operation, an option Trump has been reluctant to pursue.

US officials have also raised concerns over military resources, including declining supplies of air defense interceptors, as well as the potential risks of civilian casualties from attacks on infrastructure.

The conflict has already resulted in the deaths of 18 US service members, according to CNN.

US intelligence agencies, including the CIA and the Defense Intelligence Agency, have assessed that continued bombing is unlikely to change Iran’s negotiating position significantly, CNN reported. The chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Gen. Dan Caine, has also acknowledged that “air power has its limits.”

As Trump weighs his options, officials say he faces a choice between escalating the conflict, pursuing a negotiated settlement, or maintaining a cycle of strikes and retaliation that could prolong the confrontation.

“I think we just want to win,” Trump said during a Cabinet meeting, adding that Iran would eventually reach a point where it could no longer continue.