Trump May Hear Briefing on New Iranian Military Options, Including 'Short and Sharp' Strike Plan, on Thursday
According to two sources familiar with the matter, President Trump is set to receive a briefing on new potential military action against Iran from Admiral Cooper, Commander of Central Command, on Thursday.
The media outlet said the briefing indicates that Trump is seriously considering restarting large-scale combat operations—either to break a diplomatic deadlock or to deliver a decisive blow before ending the conflict.
Three sources revealed that U.S. Central Command has developed a "short and sharp" strike plan targeting Iran—potentially including infrastructure targets—with the aim of breaking the negotiation impasse.
The United States hopes that after such strikes, Iran will return to the negotiating table and demonstrate greater flexibility on nuclear issues.
An additional plan expected to be presented to Trump focuses on taking control of certain areas of the Strait of Hormuz to reopen it for commercial shipping. One source said such an operation could involve ground forces.
Another option previously discussed and potentially mentioned during the briefing involves deploying special forces to secure Iran’s high-enriched uranium stockpile.
On Wednesday, Trump told Axios that he believes a maritime blockade of Iran would be "somewhat more effective" than bombing.
Two sources told Axios that Trump currently views a blockade as his primary pressure tactic, but if Iran remains unwilling to compromise, he may consider military action.
American military planners are also assessing the possibility that Iran might launch military actions against U.S. forces stationed in the region in retaliation for the blockade measures.
Sources said Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff General Dan Caine is also expected to attend Thursday's briefing.
Source: rfi
Original: toutiao.com/article/1863911525244928/
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