Trump to Receive CENTCOM Briefing on New Iran Military Options This Week

President Donald Trump is set to receive a classified briefing on Thursday from CENTCOM Commander Adm. Brad Cooper outlining new military options against Iran, according to two sources with direct knowledge of the plans.

The briefing comes as Trump weighs whether to resume major combat operations in Iran, either to break the current negotiating deadlock or to deliver a decisive blow before concluding the conflict.

Behind the Scenes: CENTCOM’s Military Plans

CENTCOM has prepared a “short and powerful” strike plan targeting Iranian infrastructure, three sources told Axios. The goal is to pressure Iran into returning to negotiations with greater flexibility on its nuclear program.

Additional options under review include:

• A potential military blockade of the Strait of Hormuz to reopen commercial shipping lanes, which may involve ground forces.
• A special forces operation to secure Iran’s stockpile of highly enriched uranium, an option previously discussed.

Trump’s Strategic Calculus

Trump told Axios on Wednesday that he views a naval blockade as “somewhat more effective than bombing” in exerting pressure on Iran.

Two sources confirmed that Trump currently considers the blockade his primary leverage tool but remains open to military action if Iran refuses to comply. U.S. military planners are also preparing for potential retaliatory strikes by Iran against American forces in the region.

Key Figures and Historical Context

Joint Chiefs Chairman Gen. Dan Caine is expected to attend Thursday’s briefing, the sources said. The White House has not responded to requests for comment.

This is not the first time Adm. Cooper has briefed Trump on Iran. On February 26, Cooper provided a similar overview, just two days before the U.S. and Israel launched a full-scale war against Iran. A source close to Trump stated that this prior briefing “contributed to Trump’s decision to go to war.”