Washington, United States – International press reports have revealed large-scale US military moves toward Tehran, with the Axios news website, citing Reuters, reporting that the US military is preparing to brief President Donald Trump on a range of new and advanced military options to deal with growing Iranian threats.
High-level briefing at the White House
President Trump is scheduled to receive a detailed briefing on Thursday from the commander of U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM), General Brad Cooper, in the presence of the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, General Dan Keane.
This briefing comes at a highly sensitive time, as the White House seeks to reassess its strategy toward Iran’s nuclear program and its activities in vital waterways. According to unnamed sources familiar with the matter, CENTCOM has prepared a plan that includes a wave of airstrikes described as “short and powerful.” These strikes, the report states, are intended to cripple strategic targets related to critical Iranian infrastructure, sending a clear message of deterrence to the regime in Tehran.
Securing the Strait of Hormuz and the uranium stockpile
Alongside the option of airstrikes, a second, more complex plan focuses on regaining control of parts of the Strait of Hormuz. This option aims to ensure the strait’s reopening to international shipping and protect it from any Iranian threats. The Axios report indicated that this operation might not be limited to naval and air forces, but could extend to include ground troops to secure strategic strongholds. A third option, which carries significant security and technical risks, involves special operations aimed at securing Iran’s stockpile of highly enriched uranium. This proposal comes amidst repeated statements by Trump, who has described the Iranian nuclear program as an “imminent threat” that cannot be ignored. Washington hopes that this military pressure will make Iran more “flexible” and compliant at the nuclear negotiating table.
Official silence and cautious expectations
As of the time of this report, neither the White House nor U.S. Central Command has issued any official comment in response to requests for comment regarding these leaks.
However, observers believe that presenting these options does not necessarily mean military confrontation is inevitable, but rather aims to strengthen Washington’s position in its “maximum pressure” policy. These moves indicate that the current U.S. administration is determined to use all available means, including the direct threat of force, to extract political and nuclear concessions from Tehran, amid escalating tensions that could fundamentally alter the balance of power in the Middle East.
