Trump Briefed on Military Options Against Iran

President Trump was briefed on Thursday by Central Command Commander Admiral Brad Cooper and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff General Dan Caine on military options against Iran. The 45-minute session covered plans for resuming combat operations, including strikes on remaining military equipment, regime leadership, and infrastructure.

Sources reported that the options also included a wave of "short and powerful" strikes, an operation to control parts of the Strait of Hormuz, and a special forces mission to secure Iran's enriched uranium stockpile. Trump stated in an interview that the U.S. had already achieved victory in the conflict but sought a larger margin.

He highlighted the destruction of Iran's navy, air force, anti-aircraft equipment, radar, and leadership. Despite the ceasefire in place since early April, the U.S. continues its blockade of the Strait of Hormuz.

This 60-day limit requires congressional authorization to continue military actions. Iran has rejected further negotiations unless the U.S. lifts the blockade, while Trump insists on a nuclear deal before doing so. " Iran's Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei pledged to defend the country's nuclear and missile capabilities, stating that the only place for Americans in the Persian Gulf is at the bottom of its waters.

Diplomatic efforts in Pakistan collapsed without a breakthrough.

“We’ve already won, but I want to win by a bigger margin. But we have. A senior Democrat accused Pete Hegseth of misleading Trump on the war. Bahrain revoked citizenship of dozens accused of pro-Iran sympathies. Oil prices surged, with Brent crude reaching $126 a barrel, a four-year high, following reports of the briefing. The true cost of the war is closer to $50 billion, according to U.S. officials. Crypto markets declined, with bitcoin down 2.1% and ether off 3.4%, amid the oil price increase. Trump mentioned potential withdrawal of U.S. troops from Italy and Spain due to their opposition to the war, following a similar proposal for Germany. As of December 31, 2025, there were 12,662 U.S. troops in Italy, 3,814 in Spain, and 36,436 in Germany.”

News reported that the briefing focused on "final blow" strike options. Axios detailed three distinct packages, including infrastructure strikes, ground operations to seize the Strait of Hormuz, and special forces actions for uranium seizure. GB News mentioned preparations for deploying the Dark Eagle hypersonic missile, with a range of 2,700 kilometers and speeds up to Mach 5, potentially targeting concealed Iranian missile launchers.

This would mark its first combat use, with fewer than eight missiles available. Iran vowed to retaliate if the U.S. resumes attacks. The administration faces the congressional deadline on Friday, which could determine whether operations resume or the war ends through diplomacy.

“The only place for Americans in the Persian Gulf is at the bottom of its waters.”

Trump responded to Iranian proposals by rejecting the retention of their nuclear program, stating he does not favor leaving enriched uranium with Tehran. The briefing occurred on the 63rd day of the conflict, which began with U.S. aerial bombardment on February 28 and halted on April 8.

Stock markets reacted positively overall, with the S&P 500 finishing April up 10.4%, its best month since November 2020, despite tensions.