- Potential attacks may focus on key Iranian infrastructure sites.
- Another plan is to secure the Strait of Hormuz sea route.
- The operation could include ground forces to reopen a key oil passage.
President Donald Trump will receive a briefing on Thursday from US Central Command leader Brad Cooper on new plans for possible military action against Iran. axios reported on Wednesday.
The report cited unnamed sources. The White House and US Central Command did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Centcom has prepared a plan for a “short, powerful” wave of attacks against Iran, likely to include infrastructure targets. axios reported, citing sources.
A fragile ceasefire in the Iran war began three weeks ago.
The war began when the United States and Israel attacked Iran on February 28. Iran responded with its own attacks against Israel and the Gulf States with US bases. The US-Israeli attacks on Iran and Israeli attacks on Lebanon have killed thousands of people and displaced millions.
Trump has previously threatened to destroy Iran’s civilian infrastructure. International law experts say such attacks can constitute war crimes. The 1949 Geneva Conventions on the Humanitarian Conduct of War prohibit attacks on places considered essential to the civilian population.
Another plan expected to be shared with Trump focuses on taking part of the Strait of Hormuz to reopen it to commercial shipping, the report added, saying such an operation may involve ground forces.
The Iran war, which remains unpopular in the United States, has rattled markets and raised oil prices. The war has paralyzed traffic through the strait, a choke point for about 20% of global oil and liquefied natural gas shipments.
Washington hopes that Iran will be more flexible at the negotiating table on nuclear issues. axios reported.
Another option that could come up at the briefing is a special forces operation to secure Iran’s stockpile of highly enriched uranium. axios saying.
Trump has cited Iran’s nuclear program as an imminent threat. Tehran denies seeking nuclear weapons but says it has the right to develop nuclear technology for peaceful purposes, including enrichment, as part of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty.
Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Dan Caine is also expected to attend Thursday’s briefing. axios reported.
