Trump Weighs New Military Options Against Iran

US President Donald Trump/DOK White House

JAKARTA - US President Donald Trump is rumored to receive an explanation about a new plan regarding the possibility of military action against Iran.

Citing a number of sources, Axios reported that the exposure from the Commander of the US Central Command (CENTCOM) Admiral Brad Cooper showed that Trump was seriously considering returning to launch a massive combat operation.

The move is seen as an attempt to break the deadlock in negotiations or put the final pressure on Iran before ending the conflict.

According to the report, CENTCOM has drawn up plans for a "short but intense" attack with the possibility of targeting Iranian infrastructure to encourage the country to return to the negotiating table with a more flexible attitude, especially regarding the nuclear issue.

Another option to be presented includes the possibility of controlling part of the Strait of Hormuz to reopen commercial shipping lanes, although this step could potentially involve ground troops.

In addition, another plan that had previously been discussed was a special forces operation to secure Iran's high-enriched uranium reserves.

In an interview with Axiospada Wednesday, Trump said the naval blockade against Iran "is a little more effective than bombing" and is considered a major tool of repression.

However, the report said Trump still left open the possibility of military action if Iran did not show a conciliatory attitude.

US military planners are also anticipating possible retaliatory action from Iran against US forces in the Middle East in response to the blockade.

The chairman of the US Joint Chiefs of Staff, General Dan Caine, is reportedly attending the briefing.