Trump Receives Briefing on Military Options Regarding Iran Blockade

President Trump is slated to receive a briefing on new plans for potential military action against Iran on Thursday from CENTCOM Commander Adm. Brad Cooper and Joint Chiefs Chairman Gen. Dan Caine, according to multiple sources. The briefing signals consideration of resuming major combat operations to address the deadlock in nuclear negotiations or to pressure Iran further.

CENTCOM has prepared a plan for a 'short and powerful' wave of strikes on Iran, likely targeting infrastructure, in hopes of prompting more flexibility from Iran on nuclear issues. Another option involves taking over part of the Strait of Hormuz to reopen it for commercial shipping, which could include ground forces.

A third discussed option is a special forces operation to secure Iran's stockpile of highly enriched uranium.

Trump stated that he views the naval blockade on Iran as somewhat more effective than bombing, seeing it as the primary source of leverage. He indicated he would consider military action if Iran does not concede.

“I saw the naval blockade on Iran as somewhat more effective than the bombing." — President Trump, Wednesday (Axios). Iranian Parliament Speaker Ghalibaf stated that the U.S. blockade has driven oil prices to $120, predicting a rise to $140.”

The Pentagon's comptroller reported that the U.S. has spent about $25 billion on the Iran war so far. Democrats have confronted Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth over the war's price tag, describing it as a strategic blunder. Iran's economy has faced heavy costs, with more than a million people out of work, soaring food prices, and a prolonged internet shutdown affecting online businesses.

U.S. military planners are considering potential Iranian retaliation against U.S. forces in the region due to the blockade. The U.S. is pitching a new international coalition to restore shipping in the Strait of Hormuz, where traffic has stalled. This would involve sharing information, coordinating diplomatically, and enforcing sanctions.

Flashback to February 26, when Cooper briefed Trump two days before the U.S. and Israel launched the war against Iran, contributing to the decision to engage.

Tehran has delivered a new offer to Washington, though prospects for a deal to open the Strait and end the war are dimming. Ghalibaf dismissed the ongoing blockade, signaling Iran's preparedness to endure the economic pressure.

“President Trump cranked oil up to $120 from the US blockade in the Strait of Hormuz. Next stop: $140" — Iranian Parliament Speaker Ghalibaf (WatcherGuru). Democrats grilled Hegseth on the firing of Army chief of staff Gen. Randy George amid questions about the U.S.-Israeli campaign against Iran. Trump warned Tehran to capitulate to demands for tight controls on its nuclear program as the blockade intensifies economic pressure.”