US Central Command (CENTCOM) Commander Admiral Brad Cooper is scheduled to present new military operation scenarios against Iran to US President Donald Trump on April 30.
The Operative Information Center-OMM reports, citing Axios, that the Trump administration is reconsidering large-scale military options to break the current diplomatic deadlock or deliver a "decisive blow" amid ongoing regional tensions.
According to the reports, the Pentagon is developing a plan for a series of "short and powerful" air strikes. Under this scenario, the United States aims to compel Iran to return to negotiations and adopt a more flexible diplomatic position following several consecutive strikes. Another potential variant involves seizing control of portions of the Strait of Hormuz to ensure the safety of international commercial shipping. Axios notes that this operation could potentially involve the deployment of ground forces.
Furthermore, a third scenario involves the use of special operations forces to seize Iran's stockpiles of highly enriched nuclear fuel. Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Dan Kane is also expected to participate in the briefing scheduled for the President.
The Strait of Hormuz remains one of the world's most vital maritime passages, essential for global energy security as it facilitates the transit of a significant portion of the world's oil supply. The consideration of these military options reflects a strategic shift in addressing long-standing concerns regarding regional maritime security and nuclear proliferation. Such contingency planning is often utilized by the US administration to reinforce diplomatic efforts through a "peace through strength" doctrine.
